The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Sunday arrested four individuals, including a pastor, in connection with an alleged child trafficking case.

FCT’s police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed that two children, a 7-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl, were rescued during the operation.

Adeh said in a statement on Sunday that the arrests followed a distress call received around 2:00 a.m. on May 24 from officials at Wazobia Motor Park in Gwagwalada about a man displaying suspicious behaviour while attempting to travel with a child.

She added that police officers dispatched to the scene arrested one Isreal Ajah, who was attempting to board a vehicle to Owerri, Imo State, with a 7-year-old boy, later identified as Muktar Hassan.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the child was handed over to the suspect by his elder brother, one Rev. Pastor Prince Bassey Ajah, the pastor and General Overseer (Daddy G.O.) of “Wells of Salvation” Church located in Byazhin Across, according to Adeh.

She revealed that Pastor Prince Ajah was arrested alongside two other accomplices identified as Nancy Atoo and Deaconess Vera Duru.

During a search of Atoo’s residence, Adeh disclosed that a second child, a 4-year-old girl referred to as Mercy, a name reportedly given by the suspects, was found.

“No documentation or identifying information was found for the child, who is currently in protective custody as efforts are underway to trace her biological family. While Muktar has since been reunited been reunited with his family,” Adeh added.

The policewoman noted that both children were being trafficked to Owerri, where they were to be sold.

The suspects allegedly confessed that Muktar was to be sold for ₦1.2 million, with the transaction arranged by Deaconess Vera Duru.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, commended the vigilance and prompt response of officials at Wazobia Motor Park.

He also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and avoid sending underage children on errands alone.

The force, however, urged FCT residents to always report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, or 07057337653.