Security operatives in Adamawa State have apprehended a 39-year-old father of three for his involvement in a sophisticated human trafficking ring that targeted young girls for exploitation in Ghana.
The Arrest and Confession
Hamza Tukur Isa, resident of Bauchi Street in Yola North Local Government Area, was taken into custody by the Adamawa State Police Command on Wednesday, November 12. The suspect specialized in transporting victims under false pretenses to Ghana for sexual exploitation.
During interrogation, Isa revealed disturbing details about his operation. "I work as a transporter at a park opposite Stanbic IBTC Bank," he confessed. "In 2023, two women named Happy and Cynthia from Abuja Street in Bachure community began bringing young ladies to me—about 3-4 girls daily—to transport to Lagos."
When questioned about the nature of their work, the suspect admitted knowing the girls were being exported to Ghana as prostitutes. The victims ranged from minors as young as 14 to women up to 30 years old.
Trafficking Network Exposed
The suspect detailed how the trafficking ring operated across multiple states. "I only transport them to Lagos, that's my bus stop," Isa explained. "They have an agent in Lagos who handles transportation to Ghana. We normally don't transport them on the same vehicle; we mix them among passengers to avoid detection."
Isa received N50,000 per girl transported and admitted he had trafficked so many girls he couldn't count them all. The traffickers used deceptive tactics, promising victims well-paying jobs and instructing them to tell their parents they were going for legitimate company work in Lagos.
"I call upon those involved in such acts to repent because it's evil," the suspect expressed remorse. "I will forever regret involving myself in this business."
Police Response and Rescue Operation
Police Public Relations Officer SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje confirmed the arrest and ongoing investigation. "We got information about human trafficking of young girls in the state and immediately swung into action," Nguroje stated.
The police successfully rescued two young girls during the operation. One victim had already arrived in Abuja, while another was intercepted while about to depart from Jalingo.
Nguroje assured the public that "we will arrest all those involved in human trafficking in Adamawa state" and promised to reunite trafficked children with their families.
Rising Insecurity and Parental Warning
The arrest highlights the escalating human and child trafficking crisis in Adamawa State, which has left numerous families devastated by the loss of their children.
Police urged parents to exercise extreme vigilance. "Family members should pay close attention to their children, especially the girl child," Nguroje cautioned. "Many people who appear kind may be acting in disguise to harm them for selfish reasons."
The public was encouraged to report any suspicious individuals in their communities to security agencies immediately.
In a related development, authorities in Lagos recently arrested a woman for allegedly trafficking her own 19-year-old daughter to Mauritania for commercial sex work, receiving N50,000 per victim and making over N500,000 overall from the illegal operation.
