The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has intercepted a 15-seater white Peugeot bus suspected to be transporting 59 trafficked children.
The children, aged between four and 12, were discovered during a routine stop by a police team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Sarki Umar along the Abuja-Kano route on January 6, 2025.
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The vehicle, with registration number KMC 283 ZJ, was driven by Ali Ibrahim, a Kano State resident, accompanied by his assistant, Alhassan Ibrahim. Both men were apprehended at the scene.
While briefing reporters in Abuja on Wednesday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, revealed that the children came from different families in Kano State and were allegedly being transported to Nasarawa State under the guise of receiving training.
“On January 6, 2025, at about 1530 hours, a team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Sarki Umar intercepted a white Peugeot 15 bus with Reg. No. 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 travelled to Kano State to convene the children en route to Nasarawa State under the pretext of training them,” Disu explained.
He further disclosed that the case has been classified as suspected child trafficking and abuse, particularly due to the lack of proper documentation or parental consent.
“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 that the children are safely reunited with their families and to bring all those involved in this act to justice,” Disu added.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT police to protecting vulnerable groups, especially children, in adherence to the Child’s Rights Act 2003.
“We appeal to parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children,” Disu said.
