Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have rescued four kidnapped children at Alafia Bus Terminal in the Coker-Orile area of the state and safely reunited them with their parents.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the operation was in line with the commitment of the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, to tackle crimes against children and protect vulnerable residents across the state.
According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 11:40 p.m. on May 8, 2026, when police operatives on patrol spotted four children with an unidentified woman preparing to board a luxury bus heading out of Lagos State.
The statement said the woman immediately fled the scene after noticing the presence of the police officers, abandoning the children behind.
“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. Upon sighting the Police patrol team, the suspected trafficker abandoned the children and fled the scene to an unknown destination,” the statement read.
Initial investigations later revealed that the children had earlier been abducted from the Ijesha-Tedo area of Lagos and were allegedly being moved out of the state before the police intervention.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the children had earlier been kidnapped from the Ijesha-Tedo area of Lagos State and were about to be moved out of the State under the cover of night to an unknown destination before the timely intervention of the Police,” the statement added.
The children were immediately taken into protective custody while efforts began to trace their families.
Police authorities later traced the families of the children, who have now been safely reunited with their parents.
“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. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and unravel other individuals connected to the criminal act,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police commended the patrol officers involved in the rescue for their vigilance and professionalism.
He also reassured residents of the command’s determination to continue protecting lives and property across the state.
“The Commissioner of Police commends the alertness and professionalism of the patrol officers involved in the rescue operation and reassures Lagos residents of the Command’s continuous commitment to protecting lives and property across the State,” the statement added.
The police boss further advised parents and guardians to remain watchful over their children and report suspicious movements or activities involving children to security agencies without delay.
“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,” the statement stated.
