14 Trafficked Children Rescued After Being Sold for Up to ₦1.7m in Anambra

Authorities in Adamawa State have rescued 14 children who were trafficked from the state and sold in Anambra for between ₦800,000 and ₦1.7 million each.

The children, aged between 4 and 9, were reunited with their families on Wednesday, August 20, at a ceremony in Yola, the state capital.

Deputy Governor Kaletapwa George Farauta said the rescue followed numerous reports of missing children in July, which prompted the government to launch a joint operation with security agencies.

The operation led to the arrest of Ngozi Abdulwahab, a suspected trafficking kingpin who allegedly ran her operation from a small provision shop in Jambutu Ward, Yola North LGA. She is accused of luring children with snacks and gifts before trafficking them to the southeast.

“It is a mixed feeling of sadness and joy,” Farauta said. “Sadness that Adamawa has now been touched by the monster of child trafficking, and joy that these 14 children have been rescued and rehabilitated.”

The deputy governor said Abdulwahab allegedly sold the children in Anambra at prices ranging from ₦800,000 to ₦1.7 million each.

She confirmed that the suspect will face prosecution under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015, the Adamawa Child Protection Law 2008, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2021, and the state Penal Code.

To support the affected families, the government announced a relief package of ₦100,000 each, along with food and non-food supplies.