Security operatives in Kaduna State have rescued 17 underage children and arrested three suspected child traffickers who were allegedly attempting to move the minors out of the state.
The Kaduna State Police Command said the rescue followed credible intelligence on the suspicious movement of children under the Danmagaji Flyover in Zaria.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, detectives from the Danmagaji Division acted swiftly on the tip-off in the early hours of November 12, 2025.
“Following credible intelligence on the suspicious movement of children under the Danmagaji Flyover in Zaria, detectives from Danmagaji Division swiftly swung into action,” Hassan said. “Their prompt response led to the rescue of 17 children of various ages who were allegedly being prepared for trafficking to Abuja and other parts of the country and beyond.”
He said the suspects — Musa Shuaibu, 21, of Funtua, Katsina State; Sani Mamman, 23, of Ingawa, Katsina State; and Mubarak Ismail, 20, of Unguwa Uku, Kano State — allegedly confessed during interrogation to bringing the children from different locations and preparing to transport them to Abuja and other destinations.
Hassan added that all the rescued children are underage and in good health. They are currently under the care and protection of the Command, while efforts are ongoing to trace and reunite them with their parents or guardians.
The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the Danmagaji Division for what he described as a swift and decisive operation. He reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on child trafficking and exploitation, urging parents not to be deceived by syndicates promising better opportunities for their children in urban centres.
Muhammad assured that the suspects will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted upon completion of investigations. He also called on parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest police formation.
