The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intercepted a suspected child trafficking operation in Nyanya, Abuja, and handed over 17 children to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
The interception occurred on Saturday, January 17, 2026, when an afternoon patrol team from the FRSC Nyanya Unit Command stopped a white Sharon vehicle with registration number SHD 253 YU at the Building Materials axis of Nyanya. The vehicle was traveling from Shendam in Plateau State to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to the FRSC, officers became suspicious after noticing an unusually high number of young passengers—17 boys and girls—packed into the vehicle, with two minors allegedly concealed in the boot. The driver, identified as Nanle John, 36, was unable to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the movement of the children.
The vehicle was immediately impounded, and the matter was escalated to the Unit Commander. In line with inter-agency protocols, the Divisional Police Officer of the Mararaba Division was contacted, and the driver, vehicle, and all the children were formally handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
Following the handover, the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Shetima Jauro Mohamed, directed that the rescued children be taken into protective custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia. He also ordered a comprehensive investigation to uncover and dismantle any network linked to the suspected trafficking attempt.
Reacting to the incident, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, said the interception underscored the Corps’ broader responsibility to protect lives beyond traffic management. He noted that FRSC personnel are trained to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities encountered on the nation’s highways.
While acknowledging that the FRSC does not have a statutory mandate to investigate human trafficking, the Corps Marshal emphasized that its duty to safeguard lives and collaborate with relevant security agencies was effectively discharged in this case.
The FRSC also commended the swift response of the Nigeria Police Force and reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, vigilance, and inter-agency cooperation in ensuring public safety across Nigeria’s road network.
The development was confirmed in a statement signed by Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC Headquarters, Abuja, on January 19, 2026.