Police in the Federal Capital Territory have stopped a white Peugeot 15-seater bus carrying 59 youngsters who may have been trafficked. The children’s ages range from four to twelve.
The car with the license plate KMC 283 ZJ was reportedly stopped on the Abuja-Kano route on January 6 by a group of police officers under the command of Deputy Superintendent of Police Sarki Umar.
Alhassan Ibrahim, the driver’s aide, and Ali Ibrahim, a citizen of Kano State, were immediately taken into custody.
According to preliminary investigations, the children, who come from various families in Kano State, were allegedly being taken to Nasarawa State on the pretence of obtaining training, FCT Commissioner of Police Tunji Disu told reporters in Abuja on Wednesday.
At approximately 1530 hours on January 6, 2025, a squad under the command of Deputy Superintendent of Police Sarki Umar stopped a white Peugeot 15 bus with registration number KMC 283 ZJ on the Abuja-Kano route, he stated.
The driver of the car was Ali Ibrahim, a Kano State citizen, and his motor boy, Alhassan ibrahim, who is also from Kano State.
“It was discovered that the bus was carrying 59 boys between the ages of 4 and 12.
According to preliminary investigations, a man named Idris Usman, who lived in Nasarawa State, was transporting the children, who were from various homes.
“Under the guise of training the children, he allegedly travelled to Kano State to gather them on their way to Nasarawa State.” Given the circumstances and the lack of appropriate documents or parental approval for the kids’ relocation, Disu continued, the incident has been categorised as a case of suspected child abuse and trafficking.
While a comprehensive investigation is conducted, the suspects, the car, and all of the kids are currently being held in custody.
To guarantee the children’s safe reunion with their families and to hold those responsible for this act accountable, the Police Command is collaborating closely with the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Disu continued.
In accordance with the Child’s Rights Act of 2003, he reaffirmed the command’s dedication to shielding vulnerable populations—children in particular—from abuse and exploitation.
“We urge parents and guardians to maintain vigilance and make sure their children are safe,” Disu said.
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