IBY
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully intercepted a suspected child trafficking operation, rescuing 59 minors in a dramatic raid on January 6. The operation was carried out by the Patrol and Guard unit along the Abuja-Kano route at approximately 3:30 PM.
A team of police led Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sarki Umar, officers stopped a white Peugeot J5 bus, registered under the number KMC 283 ZJ.
The vehicle, driven by Ali Ibrahim, a male resident of Kano State, was found to be transporting 59 male children, aged between 4 and 12 years. Accompanying Ibrahim was his assistant, Al Hassan Ibrahim.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu said preliminary investigations revealed that the children, had been gathered by one Idris Usman, a resident of Nasarawa State, under the false premise of providing them with training
Disu, state that they discovered that no proper documentation or parental consent had been obtained for the minors’ journey, raising suspicions of child trafficking and abuse.
The children were immediately taken into protective custody, while the suspects, the vehicle, and the minors are currently being held for further investigation.
He said, Police Command is working closely with the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS) to ensure the children are safely reunited with their families.
“We are doing everything in our power to ensure these children are safely returned to their parents and to put an end to the practice ” he said.
The police have reiterated their commitment to upholding the Child’s Rights Act of 2003, and efforts to protect vulnerable children from exploitation.
The commissioner of police olatunji disu urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety and well-being of their children.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities promising further updates as more details emerge.
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