KADUNA: Govt rescues 13 abducted children, pledges crackdown on child traffickers

The Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Rabi Salisu, revealed the development during a press briefing today.

According to her, the children were initially taken to an illegal orphanage in Abuja, which served as a temporary base before they were trafficked to various states by the syndicate, whose key members are still at large.

An emotional reunion took place as the rescued children were brought back together with their families. Many of the children were reportedly taken just days after birth and are now unable to identify their hometowns, having grown up in unfamiliar surroundings.

Salisu disclosed that five suspects currently in custody confessed that their leader runs an unregistered orphanage in Abuja, which was used to harbor the abducted children before selling them to buyers, mostly in the southern regions of the country.

“Following the arrest made on March 24, 2025, the Ministry received 11 children from the State Commissioner of Police’s office in Abuja,” she stated.

Additional children were received on April 9, 2025, while six more were returned from Birnin Kebbi. These children were allegedly trafficked and sold to a woman known as ‘Maman Salamatu’ in Calabar. Her real identity remains undisclosed as investigations continue.

“One of the victims was abducted at just seven days old and is now seven years old,” Salisu noted. “Most of the rescued children have lost all memory of their origins, but the authorities are committed to tracing their families and reuniting them.”

She encouraged parents who have missing children to come forward with proof of birth and any relevant documents that could aid identification and reunification.

Ali Adamu, a parent whose daughter Maryam was abducted two months ago in Kogi State, expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State Government for recovering his child.

The government has vowed to ensure all those involved in the trafficking ring face justice. It also urged parents to remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of nurturing children with strong moral values to protect them from abuse, violence, and exploitation.