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The Kaduna State Government has successfully rescued 13 children who were allegedly trafficked out of the state by a criminal syndicate.
Hajiya Rabi Salisu, the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, revealed to journalists that the children had been moved from Kaduna to Abuja, and then to Enugu, by an organised trafficking ring. Shockingly, some members of this network are still at large.
“One of these innocent children was taken when she was only seven days old—she’s now seven years old,” Salisu said. “These children can’t even remember where they came from. It’s heartbreaking. But we are doing everything within our power to trace their families and bring them back together.”
According to the commissioner, all the rescued children had their original Hausa names changed, further complicating efforts to identify their families. For now, they are being cared for at a special government facility where they’re receiving emergency support, including psychosocial counselling, nutritious meals, medical treatment, and rehabilitation.
Salisu recounted that on 24th March 2025, the ministry took custody of 11 children handed over by the Commissioner of Police in Abuja following an arrest. Investigations revealed that five members of the trafficking ring confessed their leader runs a supposed orphanage in Abuja, which is in fact a front for their sinister trade.
“She uses that orphanage as a holding centre for abducted children before arranging their sale to buyers in the eastern region,” Salisu explained. “It’s devastating. Many of these children have been so thoroughly stripped of their identity, they don’t even recall where they once lived.”
Further developments saw seven more children handed over to Kaduna authorities on 9th April 2025. Meanwhile, six additional children were returned from Birnin Kebbi, having been sold to a woman known as Maman Salamatu in Calabar—her real name is being withheld due to ongoing investigations in Kebbi State.
Salisu made a heartfelt appeal to parents across Nigeria: “If your child is missing and you have credible proof—such as birth records or other supporting documents—please come forward. We want to help.”
She also urged parents to adopt vigilant and responsible parenting practices, underscoring the importance of a strong moral foundation to shield children from harm, exploitation, and abuse.
One emotional reunion came when Ali Adamu, a father from Kogi State whose daughter Maryam was abducted two months ago, was reunited with her. Overcome with gratitude, he thanked the ministry and security agencies for their intervention.
“I wouldn’t wish this nightmare on anyone,” Adamu said. “Parents, please, be alert. Know where your children are, always.”
