The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has rescued 23 children from a suspected child trafficking syndicate allegedly operating under the guise of an orphanage in Kubwa, Abuja.

According to intelligence the operation was carried out by the Monitoring and Mentoring Unit of the command during a routine patrol in the Kubwa area, where officers observed suspicious activities at the Mother Deborah Orphanage.

Acting on the observation, the police team raided the facility and successfully rescued a three-year-old child who had earlier been reported missing from Kaduna State.

Further investigations reportedly led to the discovery and rescue of 22 additional children, comprising 14 girls and 8 boys, all aged between 2 and 14 years.

The owner of the orphanage, identified as Ijeoma Andy, along with another suspect, was arrested after failing to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the origins of the children.

Police authorities have since commenced a full investigation into the case, which is believed to be connected to a wider child trafficking network operating within and beyond the FCT.