- The FCT Police Command dismantled a trafficking ring operating under the guise of an orphanage in the Saburi area, following a petition from concerned community members on January 29, 2026.
- Operators allegedly targeted indigent families in rural communities, taking custody of children with promises of education and a better life in urban centers before trafficking them to prospective buyers.
- While 21 children have been rescued and are undergoing reunification procedures, police are actively seeking the remaining 25 children believed to have been trafficked through the facility.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has uncovered a suspected child trafficking syndicate operating under the guise of an orphanage home in the Saburi area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the discovery followed a petition submitted on January 29, 2026, by concerned members of the Saburi community to the Office of the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, over suspicious activities linked to the orphanage.
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Acting on the complaint, the command commenced a discreet investigation into the matter.
A statement by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, indicated that preliminary findings revealed that the operators of the orphanage allegedly targeted indigent families in rural communities across the country, obtaining custody of young children under the pretext of providing them access to education in urban centres and promising a better life.
Instead of providing care, the children were reportedly trafficked to prospective buyers in different parts of the country through the facility.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the operators of the orphanage targeted indigent families in rural communities across the country, obtaining custody of young children under the pretext of providing access to education in urban cities and promising them a better life.
Adeh confirmed that 21 out of 46 children allegedly trafficked through the illegal orphanage operation have been rescued.
These children are currently undergoing procedures to ensure their safe reunification with their biological parents. Efforts continue to locate the remaining victims and apprehend all those connected to the crime.
The police spokesperson urged parents and guardians to exercise vigilance regarding the welfare of their children, warning that not all offers of sponsorship or improved opportunities are genuine.
Law enforcement agencies have, in recent years, intensified efforts to dismantle syndicates exploiting vulnerable families under the cover of orphanages and non-governmental organisations.
