Nigerian couple arrested for trafficking 11 Liberian minors to Gambia for child labour

Friday, June 19, 2026 -The Gambia's National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP) has rescued eleven Liberian nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking and child labour exploitation. 

The agency disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, 18th June 2026.

According to the statement, a Nigerian national identified as Mr. Bola alongside with his wife, Khadijatou Sillah, for allegedly recruited and transported the children under the false promise that they would be enrolled in school. 

“The National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP) wishes to inform the public that it has successfully intercepted and rescued eleven (11) Liberian nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking on child labour exploitation in The Gambia,” the statement read.

"The victims, comprising six (7) minors and two (4) young adults aged between 12 and 19 years, were discovered during an operation conducted by NAATIP officers at a construction site where they were allegedly being subjected to exploitative labour conditions.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were brought to The Gambia from Liberia by a Nigerian national identified as Mr. Bola, aged 60, together with his wife, Khadijatou Sillah. 

"The suspects allegedly recruited and transported the children under the false promise that they would be enrolled in school and provided with vocational and livelihood skills training to secure a better future.

"Contrary to these promises, investigations indicate that upon arrival in The Gambia, the children were instead engaged in construction-related work without remuneration and were deprived of the educational opportunities and training that had been promised to them.

"The victims were reportedly made to work under conditions that raise serious concerns of child labour exploitation and human trafficking.

"Followed their rescue, the victims were taken into protective custody where they are receiving the necessary care, psychosocial support, and assistance in line with the Victims Protection provisions of the Trafficking in Persons Act of The Gambia. 

"NAATIP is also working closely with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, law enforcement agencies, and the Liberian authorities to ensure the protection and welfare of the victims.

"The suspects are currently assisting with investigations, and NAATIP is pursuing all relevant leads to determine the full extent of the alleged trafficking network and any additional victims who may be affected.

"NAATIP strongly condemns all forms of human trafficking, child labour exploitation, and abuse of vulnerable persons. The Agency remains committed to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting perpetrators while ensuring the protection and rehabilitation of victims.

"Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of trafficking in persons, child exploitation, forced labour, or related offences to NAATIP or the nearest law enforcement agency.

"Human trafficking is a serious crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. Together, we can protect vulnerable individuals and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable."