Police bust child trafficking ring in Abuja, arrest pastor, three others

The Abuja Police have uncovered and dismantled a child trafficking ring, arresting a pastor, his brother, and two accomplices as they attempted to traffic two children out of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The children were rescued before they could be taken away.

According to a statement from the FCT Police Command, the operation began after a distress call was received from officials at Wazobia Motor Park, Gwagwalada. Around 2 a.m. on May 24, 2025, the police were alerted to a man exhibiting suspicious behavior while trying to travel with a young child.

Acting swiftly, the Police Emergency Response Team intercepted and arrested one Israel Ajah as he tried to board a vehicle bound for Owerri, Imo State, with a 7-year-old boy in his custody.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the boy had been handed over to Israel Ajah by his elder brother, Reverend Pastor Prince Bassey Ajah, the General Overseer of “Wells of Salvation” Church in Byazhin Across.

Pastor Prince Ajah was arrested alongside two other accomplices, Nancy Atoo and Deaconess Vera Duru.

During a search at Nancy Atoo’s residence, a second victim was found a 4-year-old girl referred to as “Mercy,” a name given to her by the suspects. The child had no identification documents and is now under protective custody while efforts continue to locate her biological family.

Meanwhile, the rescued boy, identified as Muktar Hassan, has been reunited with his family.

Further investigations revealed that both children were being trafficked to Owerri for sale. The suspects confessed that Muktar was to be sold for N1.2 million in a deal facilitated by Deaconess Vera Duru.

The Commissioner of Police for the FCT Command, CP Ajao Adewale, praised the vigilance of the Wazobia Motor Park officials and the swift response of the police team.

He urged parents and guardians to remain alert and cautioned against allowing underage children to run errands alone.

Residents of the FCT are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the emergency contact numbers: 08032003913, 08061581938, or 07057337653.