The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a child trafficking syndicate and rescued 17 underage children in Zaria Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, said the arrests followed credible intelligence about the suspicious movement of several minors under the Danmagaji Flyover in Zaria.
According to Hassan, operatives from the Danmagaji Police Division acted swiftly on the tip-off, leading to the interception of the suspects and the successful rescue of the children, who were allegedly being prepared for transportation to Abuja and other parts of the country — and possibly beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The arrested suspects were identified as Musa Shuaibu and Sani Mamman, both from Katsina State, and Mubarak Ismail from Kano State.
“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to having gathered the children from different locations with the intention of conveying them to Abuja and other destinations before they were apprehended,” the police spokesperson said.
Hassan confirmed that all 17 rescued minors are in good health and currently under police protection, as efforts continue to trace and reunite them with their families.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commended the Danmagaji Division operatives for their prompt and effective response, describing the operation as a strong statement of the Command’s zero tolerance for child trafficking and exploitation.
“We will not relent in our commitment to dismantle criminal networks preying on vulnerable children,” CP Muhammad said. “Parents and guardians must be cautious and resist deceitful promises of a ‘better life’ for their children in the cities.”
He further assured that the suspects will face thorough investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities or individuals in their communities to the nearest police station for immediate action.
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