Police foil child trafficking operation, rescue 59 children
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Wednesday has successfully dismantled a child trafficking syndicate, rescuing 59 children who were en route to various regions across the country.
The rescued children, aged between four and twelve, were found during a patrol along the Abuja-Kano highway.
The police team, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sarki Umar, intercepted a white Peugeot 15 bus with the registration number KMC 283 ZJ, driven by Idris Usman, a resident of Kano State, accompanied by Alhassan Ibrahim, also from Kano State.
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Parading the suspects at the FCT Police Command headquarters in Abuja, Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu revealed that initial investigations indicated the children came from different families and were being trafficked by Usman, who claimed to operate an Islamiyyah school in Nasarawa State.
He alleged that he had traveled to Kano State under the false pretense of bringing the children for training.
“This incident has been classified as a case of suspected child abuse and trafficking, given the circumstances and the absence of proper documentation or parental consent for the movement of the minors,” Disu stated.
“At present, the suspects, the vehicle, and all the children are in custody while a thorough investigation is underway.
“The Police Command is working closely with the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS) to ensure the children are safely reunited with their families and to bring all those involved in this act to justice.”
The CP reassured that the FCT command will continue to protect vulnerable groups, particularly children, from exploitation and abuse, in line with the 2003 Child’s Right Act.
He also appealed to parents and guardians to be vigilant and ensure that their children are safe.
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