The Nigeria Police Force in Adamawa has arrested two female suspects over alleged child trafficking and rescued three teenage girls in Yola.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, said the suspects were arrested on Feb. 17 by operatives attached to the State Intelligence Department (SID) following credible intelligence.
He said the operatives intercepted the three teenagers at Adamawa Sunshine Motor Park in Yola.
The victims were identified as Naomi Linus, 14; Agnes Thomas, 16; and Patience Justine, 15.
According to the police, preliminary investigation revealed that the minors were allegedly lured to Yola and were being transported to Abuja under the pretext of securing employment for domestic work.
The suspects were identified as Hasiya Yuguda, 35, of NEPA area, Jimeta in Yola North Local Government Area, and Ummulkhairi Abubakar, 40, of Wuro-Hausa in Yola South Local Government Area.
The police further disclosed that one Simon Boniface, 38, of Bitakoyali in Zing Local Government Area of Taraba, had also been implicated and was assisting in the ongoing investigation.
The rescued teenagers are currently in protective custody, while efforts are ongoing to trace and reunite them with their families.
The Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for child trafficking, exploitation and abuse of minors.
He urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to verify employment or travel arrangements involving their children.
Morris also called on members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements or activities involving minors to the nearest police station.
