The Lagos State police command has rescued four abducted children after operatives intercepted a suspected child trafficker at the Alafia Bus Terminal in the Coker-Orile area of the state. 

The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

She said that the rescue followed a swift intervention by a police patrol team on routine duty in the area.

Ms Adebisi said the incident occurred on Friday at about 11:40 p.m., when officers on patrol observed four children, in the company of an unidentified woman, preparing to board a luxury bus heading out of the state.

She said, “The suspected trafficker abandoned the children and fled upon sighting the police team.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the children had earlier been kidnapped from the Ijesha-Tedo area of the state and were being moved out of Lagos under the cover of darkness before the police intervention.

“The children were immediately taken into protective custody while efforts began to locate their families. Police later contacted the parents, and the children were safely reunited with them.” 

According to her, investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and uncover other individuals linked to the crime.

The image maker said that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, commended the officers involved in the operation for their alertness and professionalism.

“The commissioner, while commending the officers, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state,” she said.

The spokesperson urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant about their children’s safety and whereabouts.

She advised residents to promptly report suspicious activities involving children to the nearest police station or security agency. 

(NAN)