The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Wednesday busted a child trafficking syndicate and rescued 59 children who were being taken to the other parts of the country.
The children, aged between four and 12 years, were rescued by the police Patrol and Guard unit along the Abuja-Kano highway, according to BusinessDay.
The team, led by Sarki Umar, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), intercepted a white Peugeot 15 bus with registration number KMC 283 ZJ, driven by Idris Usman, a resident of Kano State, accompanied by Alhassan Ibrahim, also from Kano State.
Parading the suspects in Abuja, Olatunji Disu, FCT Police Commissioner said preliminary investigations revealed that the children came from different families, and were being transported by Idris Usman, a resident of Nasarawa State.
“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,” Disu stated.
“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 (SDS) to ensure the children are safely reunited with their families and to bring all those involved in this act to justice.”
The CP reassured that the FCT command will continue to protect vulnerable groups, particularly children, from exploitation and abuse, in line with the 2003 Child’s Right Act.
He also appealed to parents and guardians to be vigilant and ensure that their children are safe.
