Police bust child trafficking syndicate, rescue 21 in FCT
File photo: Police officer
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has uncovered a suspected child trafficking syndicate operating under the guise of an orphanage home in the Saburi area of the Federal Capital Territory.
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.
Acting on the complaint, the command commenced a discreet investigation into the matter.
A statement released on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said 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 them access to education in urban centres and promising a better life.
Adeh said 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 target indigent families in rural communities across the country, obtaining custody of young children under the pretext of providing access to education in urban cities and promising them a better life. Instead, the children were trafficked to prospective buyers in various parts of the country through their orphanage,” the statement partly read.
Adeh said 21 out of 46 children allegedly trafficked through the illegal orphanage operation had 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 undergoing procedures to ensure their safe reunification with their biological parents, while efforts continue to locate the remaining victims and apprehend all those connected to the crime, “Adeh said.
She said efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining victims and apprehend all individuals connected to the crime.
Adeh urged parents and guardians to exercise vigilance regarding the welfare of their children, warning that not all offers of sponsorship or improved opportunities are genuine.
The discovery comes amid growing concerns over child trafficking and illegal adoption practices across the country, particularly in urban centres where unsuspecting families are lured with promises of education and better living conditions for their children.
Law enforcement agencies have, in recent years, intensified efforts to dismantle syndicates exploiting vulnerable families under the cover of orphanages and non-governmental organisations.
