The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has handed over 11 rescued victims of human trafficking to the Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State for reintegration with their families.

The victims were formally handed over during a meeting held on Sunday in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.

Speaking at the event, the NAPTIP Commander in Jigawa, Mr Abdulkadir Turajo, said the victims were rescued by the agency’s operatives in Lokoja, Kogi State, following intelligence-led operations.

Turajo, who was represented by the Head of Operations of the command, Mr Yunusa Mohammed, disclosed that all the victims were male children aged between seven and 15 years.

He explained that the children hailed from Tsaba, Kunkurawa and Tsabare communities in Ringim Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, the successful handover was facilitated through the collaboration of the Jigawa State Ministry for Local Government and Community Development, in line with established procedures for victim reunification.

The NAPTIP commander commended the Ringim Local Government Council and the state ministry for their prompt response, which he said ensured the speedy reintegration of the victims with their respective families.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to the fight against human trafficking across the country, noting that NAPTIP would continue to prioritise victim identification, rescue, protection and reunification.

“Our mandate is to ensure that victims of trafficking are rescued and safely reunited with their families, while perpetrators are brought to justice,” Turajo said.

Receiving the victims on behalf of the council, the Chairman of Ringim Local Government Area, Mr Badamasi Garba, expressed appreciation to NAPTIP for its timely intervention.

Garba, who was represented by the Director of Personnel Management of the council, Mr Idana Isah, pledged the council’s commitment to the effective rehabilitation and reintegration of the rescued children.

He also assured that the local government would intensify efforts to sensitise communities and prevent a recurrence of human trafficking in the area.

The News reports that NAPTIP has continued to strengthen partnerships with state and local governments to curb human trafficking and protect vulnerable persons nationwide.