Police foil attempted child trafficking, arrest two in Abuja

By Innocent Raphael

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has thwarted an attempted child trafficking scheme, resulting in the arrest of two individuals, Kulu Dogonyaro and Elizabeth Ojah.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, on Thursday, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended while trafficking 12 underage children, comprising eight girls and four boys aged between five and 16 years, from Nasarawa State to Ogun State.

The arrest occurred on April 27, 2024, around 8:00 p.m. at the Kagini Junction in Abuja, as reported by the Police PRO.

Adeh stated that despite attempts to evade capture, the suspects were intercepted by vigilant officers.

“The suspects, who initially attempted to escape arrest from the Sokoto Police operatives were finally apprehended by our eagle-eyed officers in Abuja,” she said.

Five minors, aged between six and 12 years, were rescued from the traffickers and subsequently handed over to the Sokoto State Police Command for further investigation and reunification with their families.

Commissioner of Police, Benneth C. Igweh, in his reaction, emphasized the importance of community vigilance in combating such crimes and urged parents and guardians to promptly report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The FCT Command reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the community, particularly its children, and assured continued efforts to combat child trafficking and other criminal activities.

The arrested suspects are currently in police custody pending further investigations and prosecution.