The Zamfara State Government has taken custody of 52 individuals suspected to be victims of human trafficking. They were intercepted while en route to Abuja, allegedly lured with promises of mining jobs.
The victims, hailing from Anka and Talata-Mafara local government areas, were first apprehended by the Nigerian Army before being transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) later facilitated their return to Zamfara.
Speaking on the matter, Ishaq Anka, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Substance Abuse Control and Prohibition of Human Trafficking Agency, revealed that the victims were deceived with the promise of paid labor.
"You can see their condition—they have no money, no belongings. Even during this fasting period, they survive on just one meal a day, often only drinking water," Anka stated.
The victims were held for three days for questioning before being officially handed over to the state government.
"After their arrest, they were investigated by the DSS, who then handed them over to NAPTIP in Abuja. It was NAPTIP that later contacted us to arrange their return to Zamfara," he explained.
While the alleged organizer of the trip, identified as Bilyaminu, remains in DSS custody, one of the victims, Hamza Shuaibu, defended him, insisting that he was only trying to help.
"He was assisting us. We appreciate the government’s efforts to protect its citizens, but we appeal for Bilyaminu’s release because he did nothing wrong," Shuaibu said.
The Zamfara State Government has urged residents, particularly those in rural areas, to be wary of false promises of better job opportunities outside the state. Officials emphasized the need for vigilance to prevent further exploitation and human trafficking cases.
