Adamawa Government Reunites Trafficked Children with Their Families

The Adamawa State Government has successfully reunited 12 trafficked children with their families in an emotionally charged event marked by a mixture of sorrow and relief. The reunification followed a coordinated operation to dismantle a notorious child trafficking network operating within the state.

The grim reality of child trafficking—once thought to be a distant threat—struck close to home in July 2025 when authorities received intelligence on the disappearance of several minors. In response, the state government launched a joint operation in collaboration with security agencies, including the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, expressed sympathy for the victims and their families.

“It is with mixed feelings of sadness and joy that we welcome you today,” she said. “Sad, because Adamawa has found itself on the map of a monstrous crime we once thought distant—child trafficking. Joyful, because through the relentless efforts of the government and our security agencies, we have rescued 12 children and are reuniting them with their families.”

The Finder reported last week that the ringleader of the trafficking syndicate, a middle-aged woman identified as Ngozi Abdulwahab, was apprehended during the operation. She allegedly trafficked children aged between 4 and 9 years from various communities across the state to southeastern Nigeria, where they were sold for amounts ranging from ₦800,000 to ₦1.7 million each.

Operating from a small provision store in Jambutu Ward, Yola North Local Government Area, the suspect is said to have lured children using snacks and gifts.

“This monstrous crime is not only traumatic for the victims and their families, but a deeply disturbing development for our state,” Prof. Farauta added.

The state government has initiated legal proceedings against all suspects under relevant laws, including: The Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, Adamawa State Child Protection Law (2008), Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2021, and Provisions of the Penal Code of Adamawa State. Prof. Farauta delivered a stern warning to perpetrators:

“To traffickers and their collaborators, let this serve as a warning—Adamawa is the wrong place to carry out such inhuman activities. We will dismantle your networks and ensure you face the full weight of the law.”

Over the past two months, the rescued children were housed in a government facility, where they received medical care, food, clothing, and psychological support. Authorities also conducted profiling and DNA testing to confirm the identities of the children and locate their biological families.

List of Reunited Children: