From Ifeoma Ejiofor
Police operatives in Anambra State command have smashed a child trafficking syndicate and rescued eleven children.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command revealed this in a press statement.
He said that the Anambra State command worked in alliance with the Adamawa State command to get the job done.
Ikenga said, “The Police operatives attached to the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department, complemented the efforts of the officers of Adamawa State Police Command on investigation activities to record a breakthrough in busting an interstate child stealing/abduction and trafficking syndicate.
“The intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of one female suspect, Uche Okoye aged 43 years, and the rescue of eleven children, (five boys and six girls), ranging in age from 3 to 6 years, in Uruagu, Nnewi, Anambra State.
“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 and illegally given to unsuspecting members of the public seeking adoption for One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira, for the boys and Eight Hundred Thousand Naira, for the girls respectively.
“The rescued children were handed over to Shuaibu Wara(ACP), Team Leader of the Operatives from Adamawa Police Command, for possible reuniting with their families and biological parents.”
The PPRO said that the command is working on the information provided by the suspect for the possible arrest and prosecution of other members of the syndicate.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Uche Orutugu(CP) while commending the operatives involved in the operation, especially the Adamawa State Police Command for their proactive and professional approach, pledged his continuous support in efforts aimed at dismantling child trafficking networks across the country.
CP Orutugu also cautioned individuals and couples seeking to adopt children to endeavour to do the necessary checks and to follow legal procedures and avoid involvement in criminal acts under the guise of adoption.