Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
Security forces in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory have dismantled a suspected child trafficking ring operating under the guise of an orphanage and rescued 21 children from exploitative circumstances, police confirmed in a statement on Thursday. The breakthrough comes as authorities intensify efforts to tackle human trafficking and protect vulnerable children from exploitation across the country.
According to the Nigeria Police Force’s FCT Command, the syndicate was uncovered in the Saburi area of Abuja following a formal petition lodged with the Office of the Commissioner of Police on January 29, 2026 by concerned community members who reported suspicious activity linked to an orphanage home. Acting on the complaint, detectives launched a discreet and thorough investigation that ultimately confirmed the facility was being used to traffic children rather than care for them.
Police statement said preliminary findings revealed that operators of the orphanage targeted indigent families in rural communities across Nigeria. They allegedly obtained custody of young children on the pretext of providing them access to education in urban centres and a better life. Instead, the children were reportedly trafficked to prospective buyers in different parts of the country through the facility, raising grave concerns about exploitation and illicit adoption practices.
As of the latest update, 21 out of an estimated 46 children believed to have passed through the illegal operation have been rescued. The rescued children are now undergoing procedures aimed at safe reunification with their biological families, police said. Efforts remain ongoing to locate the remaining children and apprehend all individuals connected to the trafficking network.
FCT Police Command spokesperson Josephine Adeh urged parents and guardians to exercise vigilance regarding their children’s welfare, cautioning that not all offers of sponsorship or promising opportunities are legitimate. She emphasised that unscrupulous actors often use seemingly benevolent covers — such as orphanages or sponsorship programmes — to lure vulnerable families and exploit their children.
Authorities have noted that the discovery comes against a backdrop of heightened concern over child trafficking and illegal adoption practices in urban centres, particularly where impoverished families may be persuaded that relocation or schooling prospects are genuine. Police said they are collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to track down fleeing suspects and strengthen protective measures for children.
Nigeria has been grappling for years with human trafficking and child exploitation challenges, prompting law enforcement campaigns aimed at dismantling syndicates and prosecuting perpetrators. The recent operation in Abuja reflects renewed efforts by the police to target trafficking networks disguised as charitable institutions, orphanages, or non-governmental organisations, which increasingly serve as fronts for illicit activity.
Experts and child rights advocates have long stressed the vulnerability of children from poor and rural backgrounds, who are often most at risk of being lured by promises of education, work, or improved living conditions. These risk factors — when combined with weak institutional oversight — can lead to trafficking, child labour, or illegal adoption schemes that strip minors of their rights and expose them to harm.
The FCT Police’s continued investigation will determine whether additional arrests are warranted and will aim to expand protective interventions for at-risk children. Meanwhile, the rescued children are receiving care and support from relevant protective agencies as part of efforts to ensure their safety and eventual reunification.
This development underscores the multifaceted nature of human trafficking in Nigeria, where criminal networks exploit systemic gaps to victimize vulnerable populations. Advocacy groups and policymakers have called for stronger community vigilance, increased awareness campaigns, and enhanced legal frameworks to deter such exploitation and ensure justice for victims.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments