The Police Command in Anambra says it has in its custody, a 43-year-old female suspect who allegedly engaged in interstate child trafficking.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed this in a statement on Friday in Onitsha.
Ikenga disclosed that the suspect was arrested at Uruagu, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state, while 11 victims, mainly children comprising five boys and six girls were rescued.
According to him, a synergy and shared intel between the Adamawa Police Command and the state command led to a record breakthrough in busting an interstate child stealing/abduction and trafficking syndicate in Anambra.
“The intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of one female suspect and the rescue of eleven children, (five boys and six girls), who are between the ages of three to six in Uruagu.
“The suspect is believed to be a major link in the abduction of children and the trafficking network operating between states.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the children were abducted/stolen and transported from Adamawa.
“The children were illegally given to unsuspecting members of the public seeking adoption for N1.5 million and N800,000 only for the girls respectively.”
Ikenga said that the rescued children have been handed over to the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Shuaibu Wara, team leader of the Adamawa Police operatives, for possible reuniting with their families and biological parents.
He added that the command was working on the information provided by the suspect for the possible arrest and prosecution of other members of the syndicate.
The PRO said that the Commissioner of Police in charge of Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, has commended the operatives involved in the operation, especially the Adamawa police command for their proactive and professional approach.
Orutugu pledged his continuous support in efforts aimed at dismantling child trafficking networks across the country.
He cautioned individuals and couples seeking to adopt children to endeavour to do the necessary checks and follow legal procedures to avoid involvement in criminal acts under the guise of adoption.
