Bauchi, once known as a peaceful place for families, is now facing a growing problem of child trafficking. DAILY POST reports that the perpetrators are targeting innocent children, using tricks to gain the trust of families.
In a recent incident, a woman who lived in a compound for just five days managed to abduct three children, showing how easy it is for traffickers to operate in the state. The incident has left many parents scared and worried for the safety of their children, Timi Owolabi reports.
What began as an ordinary day on December 17, 2024, quickly turned into every parent’s worst nightmare when three children disappeared from a residential compound in Gwallameji area of Bauchi metropolis.
The alleged abductor, a woman, had lived in the neighborhood for just five days.
According to witnesses, the woman rented a room in the compound, appearing friendly and harmless.
She frequently bought sweets and snacks for the children, played with them, and promised gifts, winning the trust of both the kids and their parents. But beneath her kind gesture, a sinister plan was unfolding.
“She seemed harmless,” said Maryam Habibu, whose 6-year-old daughter, Nana Khadija, was among the abducted.
Maryam Habibu, Nana’s mother, in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST recalled the distressing day when her daughter, who had recently come first in her class, was promised a gift by the woman.
“She said she would buy Nana a gift for coming first, and even bought snacks for the children,” Maryam said.
The woman had promised to take the children to the market on that day, but they soon realized that she had disappeared without explanation.
Khadija, known for being cautious around strangers, was seemingly deceived by the woman’s friendly demeanor.
“She used to notify us whenever she was going out, but that day she didn’t,” Maryam added.
The families were left in shock when they realized the children were missing.
For 21 agonizing days, they searched tirelessly, unsure of where their children were or when they would return.
“There was a day when I looked at my other children, and Nana’s absence hit me so hard— I just started crying,” Maryam shared, her voice filled with sorrow.
Nana Khadija, the youngest of the children, was eventually found safe after being taken hundreds of kilometers away.
“I’m relieved that my daughter is back,” said Maryam, her voice filled with a mix of joy and exhaustion.
“But I will take stronger precaution to ensure this never happens again.
“I urge other parents to always be vigilant and keep a close eye on their children,” Maryam added.
Father in shock
Also speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, Abdulkadir Salisu, a father whose child was among those taken, described the events leading up to the abduction as shocking.
“The woman had promised to buy a school bag for the girl and balls for the boys,” Salisu explained.
“On the day of the market visit, she told the children she was taking them to buy their gifts, but when the women in the house went looking, they found out she had taken the children without notifying anyone.
“The woman‘s room, located at the front of the house, had made it easier for her to take the children unnoticed.
“By the time we realized what had happened, the children had already disappeared,” he said.
Salisu, who was away at the time, returned home to find his neighbours frantically searching for the children.
“We looked everywhere but couldn’t find them. We then went to the police station to file a report,” he said.
He said the case was taken up by the police, but it wasn’t until three weeks later that the family learnt the children had been found in Anambra State, nearly 700 kilometers away.
For almost 21 days, Salisu and the other parents lived in fear and uncertainty, hoping for a miracle.
“We were devastated, especially not knowing where our children were. It was a nightmare,” Salisbury said.
I haven’t recovered from trauma – Mother
Just like Salisu and Habibu whose children were trafficked to Anambra state, Habbaratu Isa’s 4-year-old son was also taken by the woman who stayed in their compound for only a few days.
Habbaratu, who had initially refused to let her son go with the woman, was later told by a neighbor that the child had left with her.
“I didn’t think anything was wrong at first,” Habbaratu explained, “but when I went to the market and couldn’t find him, panic set in.”
After searching the surrounding area and finding no trace of her son, Habbaratu and other parents went to the police station to file a report
During this time, Habbaratu’s heartbreak was compounded by the constant fear.
“I felt so sad waking up without seeing my son with me.
“I couldn’t even sit down to eat. The shock was too much. Even now, I can’t shake out the fear.
“I don’t know what she used to convince them to go with her,” Habbaratu said, adding: “It’s only God that brought them back.”
In the days since her child’s return, Habbaratu has taken extra precautions.
“Now, I never let him go anywhere without me or someone I trust.
“I’ll either take him myself or have my sister go with him,” she said.
Bauchi and Anambra Police Collaborate to Rescue Abducted Children in Major Child Trafficking Operation
In a joint effort between the Bauchi and Anambra State Police Commands, supported by the Office of the First Lady and the Gender-Based Violence Committee, the three children abducted from Bauchi in December were successfully rescued and reunited with their families last month.
The handover ceremony took place at the Bauchi Government House, January 7 where Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Auwal Musa, briefed Governor Bala Mohammed on the successful operation.
Following an investigation, which revealed that one of the children was sold for N2 million, the police teams in Bauchi and Anambra states launched coordinated efforts.
Commissioner Auwal Musa confirmed that the children were rescued along with some individuals involved in the crime, although the prime suspect remains at large.
How traffickers sold Bauchi abducted children to Kano buyers
DAILY POST reports that the recent child trafficking incident echoed a similar incident from 2023, where children abducted from Bauchi were sold to buyers in Kano.
Investigations revealed that the traffickers had targeted unsuspecting families, often taking children from their homes under the guise of kindness or promises of gifts, as was the case in the recent Bauchi abduction.
The seven children, who were allegedly abducted from different parts of Bauchi State in 2023, had their names changed before the suspected human trafficking syndicate was busted by the police in Kano State
While human trafficking is a recurring problem in Nigeria, concerns over missing children have continued to grow over the years.
Bauchi gov signs new executive order on child rights
Worried by the increasing rate of child trafficking in the State, the governor took a significant step by addressing child abduction and trafficking by signing Executive Order 002, 2025.
The announcement was made on his official X handle last Tuesday, where he highlighted the importance of the order in enhancing community safety and protecting vulnerable children.
“This action follows the successful rescue of seven abducted children from a trafficking syndicate in southeastern Nigeria—a victory made possible through the collaboration of the Nigerian Police, airport authorities, and state First Ladies.
“I commend their efforts in ensuring these children were brought home safely,” the Governor stated.
Key provisions of the Executive Order include mandatory profiling and identity verification of tenants by landlords before leasing properties, the responsibility of community leaders to vet and identify all tenants within their jurisdictions, and a requirement for transport unions to verify individuals traveling with children and report any suspicious activities.
The Governor further emphasized the importance of community involvement in safeguarding children.
“I urge parents to remain vigilant and call on communities to take collective responsibility in protecting our children.
“Cooperation from landlords, tenants, community leaders, and transport unions is vital to the success of these measures,” he said.
He issued a stern warning about non-compliance: “Let me be clear: violations of this order will attract penalties, and no one is above the law.
“I believe these steps will not only improve security but also make Bauchi State a safer and more welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and investors alike.”
The Governor concluded with a call to action: “Together, we can build a safer future for our children and our state.”
