The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has stopped a white 15-seater Peugeot bus, referred to as “J5,” that is believed to be carrying 123 trafficked children. On January 6, 2025, children aged four to 12 were stopped on the Abuja-Kano route. A police team, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Sarki Umar, intercepted a vehicle with the registration number KMC 283 ZJ as part of a routine operation. The driver, Ali Ibrahim, and his assistant, Alhassan Ibrahim, both from Kano State, were quickly arrested. During a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, FCT Commissioner of Police Tunji Disu stated that initial investigations indicated the children were being moved from Kano State to Nasarawa State under suspicious circumstances. “This occurred on January 6, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m.” A team under the leadership of Deputy Superintendent of Police Sarki Umar stopped a white Peugeot 15-seater bus with the registration number KMC 6 ZJ on the Abuja-Kano route, according to Disu. The vehicle, operated by Ali Ibrahim with his assistant Alhassan Ibrahim, was discovered transporting 59 boys aged between four and 12 years. Investigations showed that the children, belonging to various families in Kano State, were reportedly being transported by Idris Usman, who lives in Nasarawa State, under the pretense of offering training. The commissioner indicated that the lack of proper documentation or parental consent sparked concerns about child trafficking and abuse. “This situation has been categorized as suspected child trafficking.” The suspects, the vehicle, and all the children are now in custody. A comprehensive investigation is underway, with the Police Command working alongside the FCT Social Development Secretariat to ensure the children’s safe return to their families and to hold those accountable for their actions. Disu emphasized the command’s dedication to protecting vulnerable groups, especially children, from exploitation and abuse, as outlined in the Child Rights Act of 2003.
