A joint intervention by the Taraba State Government and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has prevented the alleged trafficking of six persons from Jalingo, Taraba State, to Ibadan, Oyo state.

The interception, which took place at Owoniyi Motor Park in Jalingo, also resulted in the arrest of a 52-year-old suspected trafficker identified as Nelson Obadiah, a native of Adamawa state.

The development was disclosed on Wednesday by the Taraba state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs Mary Sinjen, while briefing journalists in Jalingo.

According to Sinjen, the persons intercepted were Abigail Yabo, 20; Faith Amos, 11; Paulina Ishaya, nine; Jinko Sunday, 10; Rose Danjuma, 10; and Maryam Istifanus, eight.

The interception has renewed attention on the vulnerability of children and other vulnerable persons to trafficking, particularly through the movement of individuals across states under circumstances that may expose them to exploitation.

Sinjen described the intervention as a demonstration of the state government’s determination to protect children and vulnerable persons from trafficking, exploitation and abuse.

She stressed that children should never be treated as commodities to be transported from one location to another for possible exploitation, noting that they deserved protection, dignity, safety and opportunities to develop their full potential.

The commissioner commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his continued support for initiatives aimed at combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons across the state.

She also acknowledged the efforts of the governor’s wife, Mrs Agyin Kefas, particularly her advocacy and activities aimed at promoting the welfare and protection of children in Taraba.

Sinjen further commended NAPTIP, the Nigeria Police Force, security agencies and other child-protection stakeholders for their vigilance and cooperation, which she said contributed to the successful intervention.

However, she said the fight against human trafficking could not be reduced to arrests and interceptions alone, stressing the need for sustained preventive measures and cooperation among relevant stakeholders.

She called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, community members, civil society organisations and other child-protection actors.

According to her, such cooperation would be critical to identifying trafficking networks, protecting victims and ensuring that perpetrators face the law.

Sinjen assured that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development would continue to work with relevant agencies to identify trafficking activities, protect victims and support efforts to bring suspects to justice.

She urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant over the movement and welfare of children under their care, while calling on members of the public to promptly report suspicious recruitment, transportation or movement of children to the appropriate authorities.

The commissioner said public vigilance remained essential to preventing vulnerable persons from falling into the hands of traffickers.

Reiterating the state government’s position, Sinjen declared: “We will not look away. We will not remain silent. We will not allow our children to be trafficked.”

She called for collective action to strengthen the fight against trafficking and create a society where every child is protected, valued and given the opportunity to grow, learn and fulfil their potential.

Sinjen reaffirmed that the campaign against child trafficking remained ongoing, assuring residents that the state government, in partnership with NAPTIP, security agencies and other stakeholders, would sustain efforts to prevent trafficking, protect victims and tackle the menace.