The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has
uncovered a suspected child trafficking syndicate allegedly operating under the
cover of an orphanage in the Saburi area of Abuja.
In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, SP
Josephine Adeh, said the discovery followed a petition submitted on January 29,
2026, by concerned residents of Saburi to the Office of the Commissioner of
Police, FCT Command. The petition raised alarm over suspicious activities
linked to the orphanage.
Adeh explained that the police immediately launched a
discreet investigation into the matter, which led to the exposure of the
alleged operation.
Preliminary findings revealed that the orphanage
operators reportedly targeted indigent families in rural communities across the
country. They allegedly convinced parents to hand over their children under the
promise of providing access to education in urban centres and offering them a
better future.
However, investigations indicate that instead of
fulfilling those promises, the children were allegedly trafficked to
prospective buyers in various parts of the country through the facility.
According to the police, 21 out of the 46 children
believed to have been trafficked through the illegal operation have so far been
rescued. The rescued children are currently undergoing processes aimed at
ensuring their safe reunification with their biological families.
Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining victims
and apprehend all individuals connected to the suspected trafficking network.
The police spokesperson urged parents and guardians to
remain vigilant about their children’s welfare, cautioning that not every offer
of sponsorship or improved opportunities is genuine.
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