Five children from Kebbi State have been reunited with their families after the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) stopped an alleged attempt to take them to the Benin Republic.

The children were reportedly intercepted in Edo State while being transported by a suspected trafficking ring. The suspect, identified as Pastor Ayuba, allegedly told authorities that he had permission from the children’s parents to take them across the border for better educational opportunities.

NAPTIP’s Kebbi State Commander, Misbahu Iya Kaura, said the explanation raised concerns because promises of education abroad are sometimes used as a cover to lure children into trafficking and exploitation.

“This is how they convince people to carry their children under the pretext of enrolling them in schools abroad, but end up abusing them or putting them into slavery,” he said.

The suspected gang leader has been arrested and is expected to face prosecution after investigations are concluded, according to NAPTIP.

The rescued children were formally handed over to the Kebbi State Government at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi on Monday night.

Representing Governor Nasir Idris, Deputy Governor Senator Abubakar Umar Tafidan Kabi warned parents to thoroughly verify anyone offering to take their children outside the country for schooling.

The deputy governor also cautioned that parents who knowingly assist trafficking activities would face legal consequences before the children were reunited with their families.

One of the parents, Emmanuel Aduba, thanked NAPTIP and the state government for intervening and ensuring the children returned home safely.