Police arrest child trafficking suspects, rescue victims in Delta

By Adeyanju Esther

The Imo State Police Command has arrested three individuals suspected of abducting children with the intent to sell them for criminal gains.

The arrests were made by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department during an operation in Owerri.

In a statement from Police Public Relations Officer ASP Henry Okoye, it was revealed that detectives, through intelligence gathering, acted decisively to dismantle a syndicate specialising in child trafficking along the Imo-Abia corridor.

The group was implicated in the abduction of children from unsuspecting parents. The operation resulted in the rescue of three children who had been taken on July 4, 2024, from Ndinwegbu Umuoma in Onicha, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA.

The suspects apprehended include Ifeoma Anyanwu, 41, from Oloko Ikwuano LGA, Abia State; Chibuzor Lucky, 42, from Umuezeala Umuerim, Ubakala, Umuahia, Abia State; 24-year-old Charity Kalu from Okono, Ohafia LGA, Abia State; and Isidore Ozioma, 56, from Umuhu Onicha, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, Imo State.

Investigations have revealed that the suspects lured the children into their tricycle while they were playing outside, subsequently transporting them to a hidden location in Aba, where they were sold for 1,000,000 Naira.

The police spokesperson further stated that the suspects are currently undergoing a comprehensive investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

Authorities are also continuing their efforts to locate additional missing children connected to the case.