Three arrested for trafficking 76 children in Kaduna

Thursday, January 8, 2026 -The Nigeria Police Force says it will prosecute three suspects arrested for attempting to traffic 76 children who were rescued from being kidnapped in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State.

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, that the suspects were conveying the children to different parts of the country for child labour and domestic work.

Hundeyin noted that police operatives in the state had received intelligence reports that some kidnappers were planning to abduct travellers conveying the children, unknown to the traffickers.

He added that the Divisional Police Officer in the area immediately mobilised operatives, repelled the kidnappers, rescued the children, and arrested the suspected traffickers.

He stated, “On January 5, 2026, at about 2000 hours, the Kaduna State Police Command received credible intelligence that some suspected bandits were planning to attack and kidnap motorists conveying children through the area.

“Upon receipt of the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer of Kasuwan Magani Division was promptly mobilised with a team of police personnel to the area.

“On arrival, the police team engaged and successfully repelled the suspected attackers, leading to the rescue of 76 children, comprising both males and females, aged between seven and 20 years. All the rescued children were unharmed.

“In the course of the operation, three suspects were arrested: Jonathan John ‘m’, aged 25; Oliver Magaji ‘m’, aged 27; and Bitrus Sawaba ‘m’, aged 23. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were conveying the children to some parts of the country for child labour and other domestic work.”

Hundeyin noted that investigations had commenced to identify other collaborators involved in the trafficking scheme, while the arrested suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

“The suspects are currently in police custody, while the rescued children are being kept safely at the Command Headquarters pending the arrival and proper identification of their parents or guardians.

“Meanwhile, investigations have commenced to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident and arrest other possible collaborators involved. The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges members of the public to continue to support the police with timely and credible information to aid proactive policing,” Hundeyin concluded.