Koudougou:Five unaccompanied minors were intercepted by the Group of Republican Security Companies (GCRS) in Koudougou while traveling on a public transport vehicle heading to gold mining sites. The incident occurred on Monday, October 19.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the teenagers, aged between 13 and 17, were discovered after a road user alerted the authorities at around 9 am. The minors had boarded a bus, known locally as a "Molo Molo," from Didyr to Koudougou, intending to reach gold mining sites abroad.

The Regional Brigade for the Protection of Children (BRPE) of Nando collaborated with the GCRS to stop the vehicle and intercept the minors. The bus driver was arrested for transporting unaccompanied children and subsequently participated in an awareness session.

The minors revealed their plan to first travel to Bobo-Dioulasso before proceeding to mining sites in neighboring countries. Their parents, unaware of the children's intentions, were informed and the minors were safely returned to them.

Security authorities are urging transport operators to refrain from carrying unaccompanied minors and stress the importance of public awareness to combat child trafficking and smuggling. Investigations into the transport network involved are ongoing.