The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police in Nigeria have intercepted a vehicle transporting 59 children suspected of being trafficked. The children, aged between 4 and 12 years, were found in a white Peugeot 15-seater bus with registration number KMC 283 ZJ along the Abuja-Kano route on January 6.
The vehicle’s driver, Ali Ibrahim, and his assistant, Alhassan Ibrahim, both Kano State residents, were arrested on the spot. Preliminary investigations revealed that the children were being transported to Nasarawa State under the pretext of receiving training.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Sarki Umar, who led the operation, the children were from various families and were allegedly gathered by Idris Usman, a resident of Nasarawa State. The police are continuing their investigation to ensure justice is served.
In a separate development, a joint security team comprising the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) raided scrap dealers in Zuba, Dei-Dei, and Saburi along Gwagwa Road. The operation led to the recovery of stolen manhole covers, electric cables, and iron rods.
This follows numerous complaints from motorists and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, about the vandalization of government property, including manhole covers and streetlights, which pose safety hazards.
During the raid, seven suspects were arrested, while several others fled upon sighting the security team. The arrested suspects are currently in custody at the FCT Command headquarters of the NSCDC.
Authorities have vowed to prosecute those responsible for the theft and vandalization of public infrastructure to deter further criminal activities.
