By: Bayero Ade
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended a man in connection with the alleged trafficking of 59 male children in Abuja.
According to NAN, Olatunji Disu, the FCT Commissioner of Police, revealed the arrest during a media briefing on Wednesday. He stated that the suspect was intercepted on Monday by the Patrol and Guard Unit of the command, led by DSP Sarki Umar, around 3:30 p.m.
The suspect, traveling in a white Peugeot J5 Bus with registration number KMC 283 ZJ, was stopped along the Abuja-Kano route.
“The bus was found to be transporting 59 male children, aged between four and 12 years,” Disu said.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the children, who came from various families, were being transported by the suspect, a resident of Nasarawa State. It was alleged that the suspect had traveled to Kano State under the pretext of bringing the children to Nasarawa for training.
Given the circumstances surrounding the case, the police have classified it as suspected child trafficking and abuse. Disu confirmed that the suspect was operating without proper documentation or parental consent for the minors’ movement.
The suspect, the bus, and the 59 children are currently in police custody, and a full investigation is underway. The police are also working with the FCT Social Development Secretariat to ensure the safe return of the children to their families and bring the perpetrator to justice.
The Commissioner emphasized the police’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable groups, especially children, from exploitation and abuse, in line with the Child’s Right Act, 2023.
Disu urged parents and guardians to stay vigilant and prioritize the safety of their children.
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