The Lagos State Police Command has rescued four kidnapped children from suspected traffickers at the Alafia Bus Terminal in the Coker-Orile area of the state. The command has also launched a manhunt for a female suspect who fled after sighting a patrol team during the operation. The rescue was reportedly carried out on Thursday, May 8, 2026, at about 11:40 p.m. during a routine patrol around the terminal.
A statement issued on Saturday by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adebisi Abimbola, indicated that the children were found in the company of an unidentified woman who was about to board a luxurious bus heading out of Lagos State. The suspect abandoned the children and escaped when she noticed the approaching patrol officers.
Abimbola said, “On 8th May, 2026 at about 11:40pm, while on routine patrol around Alafia Bus Terminal, Coker-Orile, Police operatives observed four children in the company of an unidentified woman who was about to board a luxurious bus heading outside Lagos State.”
The statement further noted, “Upon sighting the Police patrol team, the suspected trafficker abandoned the children and fled the scene to an unknown destination.”
Preliminary investigations revealed that the children had been kidnapped from the Ijesha-Tedo area of Lagos and were being moved out of the state under the cover of darkness. The children were immediately taken into protective custody while the police intensified efforts to trace their relatives.
Abimbola stated, “The children were immediately taken into protective custody while efforts commenced to trace their families. Their parents were subsequently contacted, and the four children have since been safely reunited with them.”
The police stated that investigation is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and uncover others connected with the child trafficking operation. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, commended the patrol officers for their vigilance and professionalism. He reiterated the resolve of the command to combat crimes against children and other vulnerable persons.
The commissioner urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant about the safety of their children and report suspicious activities to security agencies. According to the statement, “He further urges parents and guardians to remain vigilant regarding the safety and whereabouts of their children at all times, and to promptly report any suspicious movements, persons, or activities involving children to the nearest Police Station or other security agencies for immediate action.”
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