Police intercept suspected trafficker with 59 children in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has intercepted a man suspected of trafficking 59 male children in Abuja.

Olatunji Disu, the FCT Commissioner of Police, disclosed this during a media briefing on Wednesday. He said the suspect was apprehended by the Patrol and Guard Unit of the command, led by DSP Sarki Umar, on Monday at approximately 3:30 p.m.

The suspect was intercepted along the Abuja-Kano route while driving a white Peugeot J5 Bus with registration number KMC 283 ZJ.

“The bus was found to be transporting 59 male children, aged between four and 12 years,” Disu revealed.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect, a resident of Nasarawa State, had allegedly traveled to Kano State to collect the children, claiming he was taking them to Nasarawa for training. The children came from different families, raising suspicions about the suspect’s motives.

The Commissioner confirmed that the suspect had no proper documentation or parental consent for the transportation of the minors, classifying the case as suspected child trafficking and abuse.

Currently, the suspect, the vehicle, and the children are in police custody while a thorough investigation is underway.

Disu added that the police are collaborating with the FCT Social Development Secretariat to ensure the children’s safety and their eventual reunion with their families. The command is also working to bring all involved parties to justice.

He reiterated the police’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, particularly children, from exploitation and abuse, in line with the Child’s Right Act of 2023.

The Commissioner urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and prioritize the safety of their children.