Feb 26 • 22:35 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

Police bust child trafficking syndicate, rescue 21 in FCT

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking ring disguised as an orphanage, rescuing 21 children in the process.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has initiated a significant operation against a child trafficking syndicate that was posing as an orphanage in the Saburi area of the Federal Capital Territory. The operation was prompted by a petition from local residents concerned about suspicious activities at the orphanage, leading to a discreet investigation by the police. The findings revealed that the syndicate was actively targeting impoverished families in rural areas, luring them into handing over their children with false promises of education and a better future.

Upon uncovering the operation, police spokesperson Josephine Adeh reported that the children were not being educated as promised; instead, they were being trafficked to buyers across various regions in Nigeria. This alarming revelation has highlighted the vulnerabilities of families in rural communities, who may be easily deceived by the fraudulent practices of such syndicates. The joint efforts of the community and law enforcement have thus played a crucial role in protecting these children and bringing the culprits to justice.

The arrest of the syndicate's operators and the rescue of the 21 children not only underscores the ongoing challenge of child trafficking in Nigeria, but it also raises critical questions about the effectiveness of regulations surrounding orphanages and child welfare organizations. As the investigation continues, there is a pressing need for public awareness campaigns to educate vulnerable families about the dangers of such syndicates, ensuring that children are not put at risk by those exploiting their desperation.

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