In a swift operation highlighting the dangers of hidden exploitation networks, authorities in Adamawa State have detained two women accused of orchestrating a child trafficking plot.
The breakthrough came after officers saved three young teenagers from a perilous journey disguised as job opportunities.
The apprehended individuals include 35-year-old Hasiya Yuguda from the NEPA area in Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Area, and 40-year-old Ummulkhairi Abubakar from Wuro-Hausa in Yola South LGA.
These suspects allegedly lured the girls, aged 14, 15, and 16, with false promises of well-paying household jobs in the capital.
Acting on reliable tips, state intelligence agents swooped in at the bustling Adamawa Sunshine Motor Park on February 17, 2026.
The teens had been tricked into travelling to Yola and were en route to Abuja when intercepted, preventing what could have been a tragic outcome.
“This intervention underscores our commitment to dismantling these deceptive rings that prey on vulnerable youth,” stated Police Public Relations Officer SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje.
He revealed that early probes pointed to a broader conspiracy involving a 48-year-old man named Simon Boniface from Bitakoyali in Taraba State.
Boniface is now cooperating with investigators, providing key insights into the operation.
Meanwhile, the rescued girls remain safe in protective care as teams work tirelessly to locate their families and facilitate reunions.
Nguroje emphasised the need for caution in an exclusive briefing: “Families must double-check any offers involving their children’s travel or employment to avoid falling into such traps.”
This case serves as a stark reminder amid rising child trafficking concerns in Nigeria.