Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have intercepted a white Peugeot 15 bus with Reg. No. KMC 283 ZJ along the Abuja-Kano route with 59 children suspected to have been trafficked from Kano.
The police operatives, led by deputy superintendent of police Sarki Umar, intercepted them on 6 January 2025, at about 3:30 p.m., along the Abuja-Kano route, heading to Nasarawa State.
The police said the kids, aged between four and 12, came from different families and were being transported by one Idris Usman to a male resident of Nasarawa State.
The FCT commissioner of police (CP) Olatunji Disu, said some arrests have been made, and the police will ensure that the children are returned and reunited with their families.
He also said the driver, Usman, who claims to be a teacher with over 40 years of experience, travelled to Kano State to convene the children en route to Nasarawa State under the pretext of training them.
The vehicle‘s driver operates with his motor boy, Al Hassan Ibrahim, who is also from Kano State.
The FCT police commissioner said, “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.
“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.
“I want to reiterate our 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“.
