Operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command have foiled an attempt to traffic three children in the Mararaba area of Karu Local Government Area, following the arrest of a 22-year-old female suspect.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Lafia, the state capital.
According to him, the suspect, identified as Aisha Hashiru, was apprehended by vigilant members of the public at the popular Orange Market in Mararaba after allegedly abducting three minors.
“She was about to be lynched when the divisional police officer of Mararaba ‘A’ Division, acting promptly on the report, mobilised his patrol team to the scene, rescued both the suspect and the children, and moved them to the station for safety,” Nansel said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had sneaked into the residence of one Ramatu Auwal at the Orange Market around 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, where she allegedly abducted her three children: Fatima Auwal (4), Shafiyi Auwal (5), and Amina Auwal (6).
Nemesis, however, caught up with her after members of the public intercepted her while she attempted to escape with the children.
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Upon interrogation, she reportedly confessed to luring the minors with biscuits.
Nansel added that the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia, for thorough investigation.
He said the commissioner further directed officers to step up efforts in unraveling other cases of missing children, while strengthening the command’s fight against human trafficking in the state.
“The command appreciates the vigilance of residents and assures the public of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and ensuring the safety of children across Nasarawa State,” he stated.
Human trafficking and child abduction remain a major security and human rights concern in the country.
In 2024, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) reported rescuing over 2,500 victims and prosecuting several offenders nationwide.
