Juliet Jacob 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a full-scale investigation into an orphanage in Kagini, Bwari Area Council, after its proprietress allegedly absconded moments before officials arrived for an inspection linked to suspected violations of child protection and adoption laws.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the operation—conducted by the Department of Child Development under the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), alongside other security and social welfare agencies—followed weeks of covert investigations into the facility’s activities.
Speaking on the development, the Director of Child Development, Dr. Idris Attah, said the intervention was triggered by intelligence reports raising concerns about the welfare and legal status of children housed in the orphanage, some of whom were reportedly brought from Benue State.
“Our investigations revealed troubling indicators that required urgent action. Unfortunately, the proprietress fled a few hours before our arrival, which further deepened our suspicions,” Dr. Attah said.
Officials confirmed that several children were rescued during the operation and have since been taken into protective custody.
“The immediate priority is the safety of the children. They are undergoing medical examinations and psychological assessments, while steps are being taken to determine their identities and family backgrounds,” Attah added.
Authorities believe the sudden disappearance of the orphanage owner may be connected to ongoing investigations into alleged breaches of the Child Rights Act and irregular adoption practices.
The FCT Administration reiterated its resolve to clamp down on illegal orphanages and sanitize the adoption system within the territory.
“We will not tolerate any form of child exploitation or trafficking disguised as charity. Anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” an official statement from the Women Affairs Secretariat warned.
Security agencies have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspect, while investigations continue to establish the full extent of the orphanage’s operations and the number of children potentially affected.
About the Author
Mirian Gom 
Chukwu Obinna 
Oluwafunbi Bello