The Lagos State Police Command has rescued and re-united four kidnapped children with their families while it has intensified efforts to apprehend a fleeing suspect linked to the attempted trafficking of the minors.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi stated this in a statement on Sunday.
She disclosed that the children were rescued following the swift intervention of a patrol team around Alafia Bus Terminal, Coker-Orile area of Lagos State.
According to her, the incident occurred on May 8, 2026, at about 11:40 p.m. when operatives on routine patrol observed four children in the company of an unidentified woman who was preparing to board a luxurious bus heading out of Lagos State.
The Command stated that the suspected trafficker abandoned the children and fled immediately after sighting the police patrol team.
Preliminary investigation, according to the Police, 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 operation was foiled.
“The timely intervention of the patrol officers prevented the children from being trafficked to an unknown destination outside the state,” the Command stated.
It added that the children were immediately taken into protective custody while efforts commenced to trace and contact their families.
“The four children have since been safely reunited with their parents after necessary identification and verification processes were concluded,” the statement added.
The Police further disclosed that investigation was ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and uncover other persons connected with the crime.
Commending the officers involved in the rescue operation, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, praised their alertness, professionalism and commitment to duty.
“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to combating crimes against children and protecting vulnerable persons across Lagos State,” the Commissioner stated.
He reassured residents that the Command would continue to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering and routine patrols aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the state.
The Commissioner also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant concerning the safety and whereabouts of their children at all times.
“We encourage members of the public to promptly report any suspicious movement, persons or activities involving children to the nearest Police Station or other security agencies for immediate action,” he said.
