The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued 23 children from a suspected child trafficking syndicate disguised as an orphanage in Kubwa, Abuja. The operation, which marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against child trafficking, also led to the arrest of two suspects.

Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives from the Kubwa Division raided Mother Deborah Orphanage on March 20, 2025, around 12:05 PM. The raid resulted in the immediate rescue of a three-year-old child suspected to have been stolen from Kaduna State. Among those arrested was the orphanage owner, Ijeoma Andy, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices.

Further investigations uncovered 22 additional children, aged between two and fourteen years, comprising 14 females and eight males, believed to be victims of trafficking. When interrogated, Ijeoma Andy failed to provide a reasonable explanation regarding the children’s origins.

The FCT Police Command has intensified its investigations to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s operations and ensure justice for the victims. Authorities have assured the public that all necessary measures will be taken to dismantle the network and reunite the children with their families.