Fifty-nine male children who are suspected to be victims of human trafficking have been intercepted by the patrol and guard unit of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
The children were said to be between age four to 12 years.
Olatunji Disu, the FCT Commissioner of Police, made this known during a press briefing on Wednesday, noting that the children were intercepted on January 6, 2025, at about 3:30pm.
He said that the incident has been classified as a case of suspected child abuse and trafficking, given the circumstances and the absence of proper documentation or parental consent for the movement of the minors.
The statement reads in part; “On 6th January 2025, at about 1530 hours, a team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sarki Umar intercepted a white Peugeot 15 bus with registration number KMC 283 ZJ along the Abuja-Kano route.
“The vehicle was driven by Ali Ibrahim, a male resident of Kano State, accompanied by his motor boy, Alhassan Ibrahim, also of Kano State.
“The bus was found to be transporting 59 male children aged between 4 to 12 years. Preliminary investigations revealed that the children, who came from different families, were being transported by one Idris Usman, a male resident of Nasarawa State.
“He allegedly traveled to Kano State to convene the children en route to Nasarawa State under the pretext of training them.
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“This incident has been classified as a case of suspected child abuse and trafficking, given the circumstances and the absence of proper documentation or parental consent for the movement of the minors.
“At present, the suspects, the vehicle, and all the children are in custody while a thorough investigation is underway. The police command is working closely with the FCT Social Development Secretariat, to ensure that the children are safely reunited with their families and to bring all those involved in this act to justice.
“I want to reiterate our commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, particularly children, from exploitation and abuse in line with the Child’s Right Act 2003. We appeal to parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children.”
