The FCT Police Command operatives have intercepted a J-5 bus transporting 59 kids in a truck to Nasarawa State.

FCT Police boss, CP Tunji, who gave details of the arrest, noted that the kids are aged between 4 and 12 years old.

The CP stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the children, who came from different families, were being transported by one Idris Usman, a male resident of Nasarawa State.

?He allegedly travelled to Kano State to convene the children en route to Nasarawa State under the pretext of training them,? the CP said.

The interception was made by the Patrol and Guard unit.

According to the CP, on January 6, 2025, at around 7:30 pm, a team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sarki Umar intercepted a white Peugeot J-5 bus with Reg. No. KMC 283 ZJ along the Abuja-Kano route.

He added that the vehicle was driven by Ali Ibrahim, a male resident of Kano State, accompanied by his motor boy, Al Hassan Ibrahim, also of Kano State.

He said, ?The bus was found to be transporting 59 male children aged between 4 and 12 years. Preliminary investigations revealed that the children, who came from different families, were being transported by one Idris Usman, a male resident of Nasarawa State.

?He allegedly travelled to Kano State to convene the children en route to Nasarawa State under the pretext of training them.

?This incident has been classified as a case of suspected child abuse and trafficking, given the circumstances and the absence of proper documentation or parental consent for the movement of the minors.

?At present, the suspects, the vehicle, and all the children are in custody while a thorough investigation is underway. The Police Command is working closely with the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS) to ensure that the children are safely reunited with their families and to bring all those involved in this act to justice.

?I want to reiterate our commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, particularly children, from exploitation and abuse in line with the Child?s Rights Act 2003. We appeal to parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children.? (The Guardian)

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