The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has rescued several children from an orphanage in Kagini, Bwari Area Council, following allegations of illegal adoption practices and concerns over child welfare.
The operation was carried out by the FCT Department of Child Development in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other security and social welfare agencies.
This was according to a statement reported on Tuesday by the National Television Authority (NTA).
“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.
It further 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 said it remains committed to enforcing the Child Rights Act and sanitising the adoption process, warning that offenders would be prosecuted.
“Investigations continue as security agencies intensify efforts to locate the suspect and uncover the full scope of the orphanage’s activities,” it added.
