FCT Police rescue 23 children, arrest two suspects in child trafficking bust

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

Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives from Kubwa Division executed a swift raid on Mother Deborah Orphanage on March 20, 2025, at 12:05 PM, bringing an end to the suspected exploitation.

This success is a testament to the FCT Police Command’s dedication to combating child trafficking and protecting vulnerable minors.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said in a statement sent to Persecondnews on Saturday that the operation led to the rescue of a three-year-old child, suspected to have been stolen from Kaduna State.

The statement reads: “Two suspects, including the orphanage owner, Ijeoma Andy, were arrested while efforts are ongoing to track down other accomplices.

“Further investigations uncovered a shocking discovery of 22 additional children, aged between 2 and 14 years (14 females and 8 males), believed to be 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.

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

“The FCT Police Command calls on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the Police through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653.”