Sokoto police bust human trafficking ring, rescue 21 abducted children

The Sokoto State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking and child abduction by apprehending ten suspected members of a syndicate and rescuing 21 abducted children.

Among the suspects is a father accused of abducting twenty-eight children, including six of his biological children.

The arrests and rescues followed extensive investigations by the police authorities in Sokoto, revealing the existence of a long-standing human trafficking and child abduction ring in the state.

During a parade of the suspects in Sokoto on Thursday, the state police commissioner, Hayatu Kaigama, disclosed that the command, in collaboration with military and vigilante groups, also rescued three kidnapped victims, including a female lawyer abducted from her residence on Sunday.

Additionally, the police commissioner announced the arrest of a murder suspect and an individual impersonating a deputy superintendent of police.

The commissioner expressed gratitude for the support of the state government and reaffirmed the commitment of law enforcement personnel to maintaining law and order in the state.

In a related incident, the Kaduna State Command of the Nigeria Police arrested four individuals on charges of child trafficking, including Shehu Sani, Tskan Isiaku, Hafsat Hussaini, and Angela Onazu.

This operation followed the capture of a fake soldier named Ya’u Ja’afar involved in criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and extortion in the state.

The police operation in Kaduna led to the rescue of a 2-year-old girl, with the arrested individuals confessing to their involvement in child trafficking.

The Kaduna State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Ali Audu Dabigi, has intensified efforts to combat child trafficking, with recent successes attributed to intelligence-driven operations.

Parents and guardians were urged to remain vigilant and actively involved in their children’s lives to protect them from harm.

Commending the efforts of police operatives, Commissioner of Police Ali Audu Dabigi emphasized the importance of community cooperation in ensuring the safety and security of all residents, particularly vulnerable children.

Increased vigilance and collaboration were highlighted as essential components in creating a safer environment for children to thrive.