Police Apprehend Alleged Child Trafficker, Rescue 12 Victims in Imo

The Imo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a 42-year-old woman suspected of child trafficking and the rescue of 12 allegedly stolen children.

According to a statement released on Monday by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, the suspect, who is from Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala LGA, was apprehended during a stop-and-search operation on June 20 along the Owerri-Aba Expressway.

Okoye revealed that the arrest exposed a troubling child-trafficking ring involved in exploiting minors and forcing them into street begging in Aba, Abia State.

“Upon her arrest, the suspect was found with several children whose appearance and condition immediately aroused suspicion.

“Consequently, the case was referred to the IGP X-Squad Unit for discreet investigation,” he said.

DSP Henry Okoye stated that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala to Aba, where they were forced into street begging.

She also claimed that the proceeds from the begging were allegedly sent to a motherless babies’ home in Okenyi, Eche Local Government Area of Rivers State, where she said she was employed.

Okoye added that the 12 rescued children, aged between five and 13, were all from different communities within Ngor-Okpala LGA.

“Presently, the children are in safe custody, and efforts are ongoing, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to identify and reunite them with their biological families,” he said.

Okoye further urged members of the public with any information that could help reunite the rescued children with their families to contact the Command’s X-Squad Unit or call 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.

He also quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, who strongly condemned all forms of child trafficking and warned that anyone involved would be brought to justice.

Danjuma reassured residents of the Command’s continued dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of every child across the state.