The Federal Capital Territory Administration has rescued several children from an orphanage in Kagini, Bwari Area Council, after concerns about their welfare and adoption practices.

In a statement on Tuesday, the National Television Authority reported that the operation involved the FCT Department of Child Development, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, and other security and social welfare agencies.

“The Federal Capital Territory Administration, through the Department of Child Development under the Women Affairs Secretariat, has intensified efforts to protect vulnerable children with the commencement of a rescue and monitoring operation involving adopted children within the FCT, some of whom were reportedly brought in from Benue State.

“Some of the rescued children have been identified and placed in protective custody. Arrangements are ongoing for their safety, medical care, and psychological support.

“The intervention followed weeks of discreet investigations by the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, led by the Director of Child Development, Dr Idris Attah, over concerns about the orphanage’s operations and child welfare,” the statement said.

The statement also revealed that the proprietress of the facility had fled.

“Upon arrival, officials discovered the proprietress had fled hours earlier, abandoning the facility. Authorities suspect her disappearance is linked to the investigation and possible violations of adoption and child protection laws.”

The FCT Administration reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the Child Rights Act and sanitising the adoption process, warning that offenders will face the law.

“Investigations continue as security agencies intensify efforts to locate the suspect and uncover the full scope of the orphanage’s activities.”

PUNCH Online in 2025 had similarly reported that the NAPTIP had rescued eight children suspected to have been stolen from northern states and trafficked to the south. This followed a raid on a popular orphanage in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The agency said the operation, conducted with the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police, and local civil society groups, followed years of complaints from parents in Kano and neighbouring states over missing children. (PUNCH)