In a dramatic and life-saving intervention, operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command foiled an elaborate child trafficking scheme and rescued 59 children on January 6, 2025. The children, aged between 4 and 12 years, were being transported under the guise of training to Nasarawa State, a plot that could have led to untold suffering and exploitation.
The operation, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sarki Umar, was launched after authorities intercepted a white Peugeot J-5 bus traveling along the Abuja-Kano road. The bus, registered under the number KMC 283 ZJ, was found to be carrying 59 young boys, all from different families. The suspects behind this operation were swiftly detained, and the children were immediately rescued.
According to the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Tunji, preliminary investigations revealed the horrifying details behind the children’s transportation. “The children were being moved by one Idris Usman, a male resident of Nasarawa State, who had traveled all the way to Kano State to gather the children under false pretenses,” CP Tunji stated during a press briefing.
He continued, “Usman was planning to transport them to Nasarawa under the pretext of training them for some unspecified purpose. However, the absence of proper documentation and parental consent raised red flags, pointing to a clear case of child trafficking.”
The intervention came after routine surveillance conducted by the Police Patrol and Guard Unit, who intercepted the vehicle at around 7:30 pm near the Federal Capital Territory’s outskirts. The driver, identified as Ali Ibrahim from Kano State, was accompanied by his assistant, Al Hassan Ibrahim, also a Kano native. Both suspects were arrested on the spot.
This disturbing incident has brought renewed attention to the issue of child trafficking in Nigeria, where children are often exploited for labor, sexual exploitation, and illegal adoption. It also highlights the critical role of law enforcement in safeguarding vulnerable groups, particularly children.
CP Tunji emphasized that the swift action of the police was instrumental in protecting the children and preventing a tragedy. “The efforts of the officers in the Patrol and Guard Unit are commendable. Their vigilance and quick response led to the rescue of these children. We will ensure a thorough investigation into the matter and bring all those involved to justice.”
The investigation into the child trafficking ring is still ongoing, and police are collaborating closely with the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS) to trace the children’s families and ensure their safe return. “We are working tirelessly to reunite these children with their families. It’s important for every parent and guardian to stay vigilant and safeguard their children from these predators,” said CP Tunji.
The suspects are currently in police custody, and the vehicle used for the illegal transportation has been seized as evidence. As investigations unfold, authorities are determined to uncover the full extent of the trafficking network and prosecute all those involved.
This rescue operation underscores the alarming rise of child trafficking in parts of Nigeria, which has become a growing concern for both law enforcement and human rights organizations. Despite laws such as the Child’s Rights Act 2003, which was enacted to protect minors from abuse and exploitation, these incidents continue to occur, often with devastating consequences.
Child protection advocates have praised the police’s swift action but have also called for more preventive measures to curb such crimes. They have urged the government to improve awareness programs for parents and guardians, who often remain unaware of the dangers lurking in their communities.
“Child trafficking is a heinous crime, and we must all do our part to ensure that children are not victimized in this way,” said Amaka Okechukwu, a child rights activist based in Abuja. “This rescue operation is a beacon of hope, but there is still much work to be done to stop these networks from operating.”
Nigeria has long struggled with human trafficking, and children are among the most vulnerable. According to reports from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), over 10,000 children are trafficked in Nigeria each year, often for forced labor, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation.
Experts have urged the Nigerian government to intensify its efforts in combating this scourge by increasing public awareness, improving law enforcement mechanisms, and holding traffickers accountable for their actions.
The successful interception of the child trafficking ring also points to the growing capability of Nigeria’s security agencies to tackle complex and dangerous criminal activities. With improved coordination between law enforcement and social service agencies, authorities hope to prevent future incidents of trafficking and exploitation.
The FCT Police Command has called on parents and guardians to remain cautious about the people they entrust with their children and to report any suspicious activity. “Vigilance is key in protecting our children,” CP Tunji warned. “We urge the public to always be alert and report any suspicious movements to the police.”
As the rescued children await reunification with their families, the community is left to reflect on the troubling reality of child trafficking and the lengths some will go to exploit innocent lives. But for now, 59 children have been given a second chance, thanks to the vigilance and dedication of the FCT Police.
