59 Kano Children Rescued in Abuja as Suspected Traffickers Arrested

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has uncovered a suspected child trafficking operation after intercepting a bus carrying 59 children along the Abuja-Kano route.

The children, aged between four and 12, were being transported in a white 15-seater Peugeot bus with registration number KMC 283 ZJ. A police team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sarki Umar, stopped the vehicle on Monday. The driver, Ali Ibrahim, and his assistant, Alhassan Ibrahim, both residents of Kano State, were arrested.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, stated that the children, from various families in Kano State, were being transported to Nasarawa State under the pretense 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-seater bus with registration number KMC 283 ZJ along the Abuja-Kano route,” Disu said. “The vehicle was driven by Ali Ibrahim, a male resident of Kano State, and his motor boy, Alhassan Ibrahim, also of Kano State.

“The bus was found to be transporting 59 male children aged between four and 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 gather the children and was transporting them under the pretext of training.”

Disu explained that the case has been classified as suspected child abuse and trafficking due to the lack of parental consent or proper documentation for the movement of the minors.

“The suspects, the vehicle, and the children are currently in custody as investigations continue. The police command is collaborating with the FCT Social Development Secretariat to ensure the children are safely reunited with their families and that all those involved in this act are brought to justice,” Disu added.

He emphasized the command’s 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,” he said.