Police Busts Suspected Child Trafficking Syndicate, Disguised as Orphanage Home in Abuja ..... Rescues 21 Children, Looking for 25 Others

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has uncovered a suspected child trafficking syndicate operating under the guise of an orphanage home in Saburi area of the FCT.

The command said the discovery followed a petition submitted on 29th January 2026 by concerned members of 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.

"So far, twenty-one (21) out of forty-six (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.

"The FCT Police Command urges parents and guardians to exercise vigilance and diligence regarding the welfare of their children, noting that not all offers of sponsorship or improved opportunities are genuine. 

"The Command also appreciates the vigilance and cooperation of the Saburi community, and calls on other members of the community to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities through the Commands emergency lines: 08028940883, 08032003913."