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Police in Abuja have intercepted a Peugeot J-5 bus carrying 59 children, aged between 4 and 12, en route to Nasarawa State.

The children, discovered crammed into the vehicle, were reportedly being transported by Idris Usman, who claimed they were travelling for training. However, no documentation or parental consent was provided to support this claim.

According to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner, CP Tunji, the incident occurred on 6 January 2025, at approximately 7:30 pm. A police patrol team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sarki Umar stopped the vehicle, registration number KMC 283 ZJ, along the Abuja-Kano road.

The driver, Ali Ibrahim, and his assistant, Al Hassan Ibrahim, both from Kano State, were detained for questioning. During the search, police found the 59 boys in the back of the vehicle.

Initial investigations revealed that Idris Usman, a resident of Nasarawa State, had travelled to Kano State to gather the children. He claimed he was taking them for training, but the circumstances of the journey and the absence of proper documentation raised suspicions of child trafficking or abuse.

The police have taken the children, suspects, and the vehicle into custody while conducting a thorough investigation. They are collaborating with the FCT Social Development Secretariat to facilitate the children’s safe return to their families.

CP Tunji assured the public that all those involved in the act would face the full weight of the law. He also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant to safeguard their children from such dangers.

“Protecting children from harm is our priority. We remain committed to upholding their rights, as enshrined in the Child’s Rights Act of 2003,” CP Tunji stated.