In a significant breakthrough, the Imo State Police Command has dismantled a notorious child trafficking syndicate operating in the region. The police, through their State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Owerri, successfully rescued three children and arrested several suspects involved in the abduction and sale of the children.
Henry Okoye, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the successful operation in a statement issued on Monday. “The operation led to the rescue of three children who were abducted on July 4, 2024, in Ndinwegbu Umuoma, Onicha, Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area,” Okoye said.
The arrested suspects include Ifeoma Anyanwu, 41, from Oloko Ikwuano in Abia State; Chibuzor Lucky, 42, from Umuezeala Umuerim, Ubakala, Umuahia, Abia State; Charity Kalu, 24, from Okono, Ohiafia LGA, Abia State; and Isidore Ozioma, 56, from Umuhu Onicha, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, Imo State. These individuals are believed to be key players in the abduction and trafficking of the children.
According to Okoye, the syndicate lured the children into their tricycle while they were playing outside. “The children were abducted and transported to a hidden location in Aba, where they were sold for one million naira,” Okoye explained. He emphasized that prompt action by the police led to the rescue of the children and the arrest of the traffickers.
The rescued children have since been reunited with their families, bringing relief to the worried parents. Meanwhile, the arrested suspects are undergoing thorough investigations at the state CID as the police work to identify other potential victims.
Okoye assured the public that the police were intensifying efforts to locate any additional missing children linked to the syndicate. “Our investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to track down all those involved in this heinous crime,” he said.
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In light of this incident, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, issued a strong warning to parents and guardians to remain vigilant. He urged them to supervise their children closely and be cautious of strangers. “This case serves as a reminder for families to always keep an eye on their children and be wary of unfamiliar individuals,” Danjuma stressed.
Child trafficking remains a serious concern in many parts of Nigeria, with criminal syndicates targeting vulnerable families. The swift action by the Imo State Police has once again highlighted the importance of community awareness and the critical role law enforcement plays in combating such crimes.
The successful rescue of the children and the arrest of the traffickers is a step toward ensuring the safety of children in the region. The police have called on members of the public to report any suspicious activities to help prevent further cases of child abduction and trafficking.