FCT Police Rescue 23 Children From Suspected Child Trafficking Syndicate.
In a significant breakthrough against child trafficking, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued 23 children from a suspected trafficking syndicate masquerading as an orphanage in Kubwa, Abuja.
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives from Kubwa Division stormed Mother Deborah Orphanage on 20 March 2025 at around 12:05 PM. The operation led to the rescue of a three-year-old child, believed to have been stolen from Kaduna State, and the arrest of two suspects, including the orphanage owner, Ijeoma Andy. Efforts are ongoing to track down other accomplices.
According to FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, further investigations revealed an additional 22 children, aged between two and 14 years (14 females and 8 males), suspected 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,” Adeh stated.
Reaffirming their commitment to combating child trafficking, the FCT Police Command assured the public that they would continue dismantling criminal networks targeting innocent children.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.