Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have arrested four suspects, including a pastor, and rescued two children from an illegal child trafficking syndicate.
The arrest followed a distress call received around 2:00 am on May 24, 2025, from officials of the Wazobia Motor Park in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
According to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, a man later identified as Isreal Ajah was apprehended while attempting to board a commercial vehicle to Owerri, Imo State, with a 7-year-old boy under suspicious circumstances.
Quick response by the Gwagwalada Area Command’s Emergency Response Team led to Ajah’s arrest and the immediate commencement of investigations.
The police discovered that the child, Muktar Hassan, had been handed over to the suspect by his elder brother, Rev. Pastor Prince Bassey Ajah, the General Overseer of Wells of Salvation Church, located in the Byazhin Across area of Abuja.
Pastor Ajah, along with two female accomplices, Nancy Atoo and Deaconess Vera Duru,bwere subsequently arrested.
According to the report, a search of Nancy Atoo’s residence led to the rescue of a second victim, a 4-year-old girl identified only as Mercy.
Authorities revealed that the girl had no known family records and was named by the suspects. She is currently in protective custody, while efforts are ongoing to trace her biological family.
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The FCT Police Command, investigations revealed that the children were being trafficked to Owerri for the purpose of illegal sale.
The suspects confessed to plans to sell Muktar for ₦1.2 million, with Deaconess Vera Duru was identified as the main facilitator of the transaction.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao S. Adewale, praised the vigilance of the staff at Wazobia Motor Park and the prompt response by law enforcement.
He emphasized the importance of community awareness in combating child trafficking and warned parents and guardians against sending underage children on errands alone.
“This successful operation is a clear example of what can be achieved when citizens and security agencies work hand in hand. We urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities,” Adewale stated.
