The Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Professor Kaletapwa George Farauta, has issued a stern warning to human traffickers and their collaborators, declaring that Adamawa is not a safe haven for criminal activities.
The statement came during the official handover ceremony of 14 rescued children who had been abducted from Adamawa State and trafficked to Anambra State. The children were successfully reunited with their parents in an emotionally charged event attended by members of the State Executive Council, security agencies, medical personnel, and other stakeholders.
In July 2025, intelligence reports revealed a rise in cases of missing children, prompting swift action by the Adamawa State government. Collaborating with security agencies including the Police, DSS, and NSCDC, authorities launched a manhunt that led to the arrest of the suspected ringleader, Ngozi Abdulwahab, a middle-aged woman of Igbo extraction operating from a small provision shop in Jambutu Ward, Yola North LGA.
The suspect reportedly lured children aged 4 to 9 with snacks and gifts and trafficked them to southeastern Nigeria, where they were sold for N800,000 to N1.7 million per child.
Professor Farauta condemned the crime, stating:
“This crime is not just traumatic for the victims and their families; it is a shameful and painful reality for our entire state. Our citizens are not commodities.”
The Deputy Governor pledged to dismantle trafficking networks and bring offenders to justice. She urged parents to be vigilant and report suspicious activity.
The Adamawa State Commander of NAPTIP, Hassan Abubakar Naibi, emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating human trafficking and called for increased community awareness.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Neido Geoffrey Kofulto, and Yola North lawmaker, Hon. Suleiman Alkali, commended the state government’s swift response and urged continued vigilance.
Reunited parents expressed gratitude, receiving N100,000 each to support their small businesses, while the children were provided with food and non-food reintegration support.
Human trafficking remains a critical challenge in Nigeria, often targeting vulnerable children and women. Adamawa State’s recent intervention highlights the importance of coordinated government action, community awareness, and law enforcement collaboration in combating this crime. The swift rescue and rehabilitation of the children reflect a commitment to protecting citizens and dismantling criminal networks.
The Adamawa State government’s decisive action demonstrates that human trafficking will not be tolerated, and reinforces the need for community vigilance, strong law enforcement, and government accountability. Through continued collaboration and awareness, the state aims to protect children, support families, and ensure justice for perpetrators.
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