0
0
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has uncovered a suspected child trafficking syndicate operating under the guise of an orphanage in the Saburi area of the FCT.
In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the discovery followed a petition submitted on January 29, 2026, by concerned members of the Saburi community to the Office of the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, over suspicious activities linked to the orphanage.
According to Adeh, the command acted swiftly on the complaint and launched a discreet and thorough investigation into the matter.
Preliminary findings revealed that the operators of the orphanage allegedly targeted indigent families in rural communities across the country, obtaining custody of young children under the pretext of providing access to education in urban centres and promising them a better life. Instead, the children were reportedly trafficked to prospective buyers in different parts of the country through the facility.
“FCT Police Command uncovered a suspected child trafficking syndicate operating under the guise of an orphanage home in the Saburi area of the FCT.
“The discovery followed a petition submitted on January 29, 2026, by concerned members of the Saburi community to the Office of the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, regarding suspicious activities linked to the orphanage. Acting swiftly on the complaint, the Command commenced a discreet and thorough investigation into the matter.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the operators of the orphanage targeted indigent families in rural communities across the country, obtaining custody of young children under the pretext of providing access to education in urban centres and promising them a better life. Instead, the children were trafficked to prospective buyers in various parts of the country through the orphanage,” the statement read in part.
Adeh disclosed that 21 out of the 46 children allegedly trafficked through the illegal operation have been rescued and are undergoing procedures to ensure their safe reunification with their biological parents.
“So far, 21 out of 46 children trafficked through the illegal orphanage operation have been rescued and are undergoing procedures to ensure their safe reunification with their biological parents. Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining victims and apprehend all those connected to the crime,” she said.
She added that investigations are continuing to track down the remaining victims and bring all perpetrators to justice. Adeh also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant about the welfare of their children, warning that not all offers of sponsorship or improved opportunities are genuine.
