By Augustine Ehikioya
Moving against crime, Police personnel in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have burst a child trafficking syndicate.
In the process, it rescued two children and arrested a Pastor and three other accomplices.
This was contained in a statement issued by SP Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It reads “On the 24th of May 2025, at about 2:00 a.m., a distress call was received by the Gwagwalada Area Command from officials of Wazobia Motor Park, Gwagwalada, reporting a male exhibiting suspicious behaviour while attempting to travel with a young child.
“Acting swiftly, a Police Emergency Response Team was dispatched to the scene, where one Isreal Ajah was arrested while attempting to board a vehicle to Owerri, Imo State, with a 7-year-old boy in his custody.”
Preliminary investigations, the statement said, revealed that the child was handed over to the suspect by his elder brother, one Rev. Pastor Prince Bassey Ajah, the Pastor and General Overseer (Daddy G.O.) of “Wells of Salvation” Church located in Byazhin Across.
“Pastor Prince Ajah was promptly arrested alongside two other accomplices identified as Nancy Atoo and Deaconess Vera Duru.
“A search conducted at the residence of Nancy Atoo led to the rescue of a second victim, a 4-year-old girl identified only as “Mercy”, a name given to her by the suspect.
“No documentation or identifying information was found for the child, who is currently in protective custody as efforts are underway to trace her biological family. While Muktar has since been reunited with his family.”
Further investigation, it said, revealed that both children were being trafficked to Owerri for sale.
“The suspects confessed that Muktar Hassan was to be sold for ₦1.2 million through arrangements facilitated by Deaconess Vera Duru.”
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, commended the vigilance and prompt response of officials at Wazobia Motor Park.
He also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and avoid sending underage children on errands alone.
“FCT residents are enjoined to always report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, or 07057337653.” the statement stated.