The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has revealed how he and his operatives worked and intercepted a child trafficking operation in the capital.
He explained that on the 6th of January 2025, at about 3:30 pm, a team led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) 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, Al Hassan Ibrahim, also of Kano State.
Disu narrated: “The bus was found to be transporting 59 male children aged between four 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 travelled to Kano State to convene the children en route to Nasarawa State under the pretext of training them. 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 FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS), 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 Rights Act 2003. We appeal to parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children.”
