- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intercepted a suspected child trafficking operation in Nyanya, Abuja, with 17 children rescued and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for further investigation.
Malam Shuehu Mohammed, the FRSC Corps Marshal, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to Mohammed, the interception occurred on Saturday, January 17, during a routine afternoon patrol by operatives of the Nyanya unit command.
He explained that the patrol team stopped a white Sharon vehicle with registration number SHD 253 YU at the Building Materials axis of the area.
He said that the vehicle, driven by one 36-year-old Nanle John was reportedly travelling from Shendam in Plateau State to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to him, the patrol team became suspicious after observing an unusually high number of passengers, comprising 17 young boys and girls, crammed inside the vehicle.
“Two of the minors were concealed in the boot of the vehicle, further raising concerns of a possible human trafficking attempt.
“The vehicle was immediately impounded and the Unit Commander briefed, while preliminary questioning of the driver produced unsatisfactory explanations.
“In line with established protocols and inter-agency collaboration, the Divisional Police Officer, Mararaba Division, was promptly contacted.
“The driver, the vehicle and all the children were thereafter formally handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation,” he said.
Mohammed said that the interception showed that the responsibility of the FRSC went beyond traffic control to the protection of lives in all ramifications.
The Corps Marshal said officers of the Corps were trained to be vigilant, humane and responsive to suspicious movements on the highways.
He noted that although the FRSC does not have the statutory mandate to investigate human trafficking, its responsibility to protect lives, identify suspicious activities and alert relevant security agencies had been professionally discharged in the incidence.
The FRSC boss commended the swift response of the NPF and reassured the public of the Corps continued commitment to vigilance, professionalism and inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding lives across the nation’s highways.
He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, subsequently ordered that the rescued children be taken into protective custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia.
He added that the Police commissioner also directed a comprehensive investigation to identify and dismantle any network linked to the suspected trafficking operation.