Police Rescue 23 Children from Suspected Child Trafficking Syndicate in Abuja

Police Rescue 23 Children from Suspected Child Trafficking Syndicate in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued 23 children from a suspected child trafficking syndicate operating under the guise of an orphanage in Kubwa, Abuja.

The breakthrough came on March 20, 2025, when police operatives from the Kubwa Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided Mother Deborah Orphanage and discovered suspicious activities.

According to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh:

“In a major breakthrough in the fight against child trafficking and missing persons, the FCT Police Command has successfully rescued 23 children from a suspected child trafficking syndicate operating under the guise of an orphanage in Kubwa, Abuja.”

Further investigations led to the shocking discovery of 22 additional children—14 females and 8 males—aged between 2 and 14 years. The police suspect they were victims of child trafficking.

“When interrogated, Ijeoma Andy failed to provide a reasonable account of the children’s origins or how they ended up in her facility. The 22 rescued children have since been taken into protective care, where they are receiving the necessary attention.”

Read also: Jonathan Criticizes Tinubu’s Suspension of Rivers Governor Amid Political Tensions

The police also rescued a three-year-old child believed to have been stolen from Kaduna State. Two suspects, including the orphanage owner, Ijeoma Andy, were arrested, while efforts are ongoing to track down other accomplices.

SP Adeh reassured the public that the FCT Police Command remains committed to dismantling criminal networks preying on vulnerable children.

“The FCT Police Command assures residents that the Command will stop at nothing to dismantle criminal networks preying on innocent children and persons.”

The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938 and 07057337653.