The Imo State Police Command has successfully dismantled a notorious child trafficking ring, rescuing three children abducted in Ndinwegbu Umuoma, Onicha, and Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Areas on July 4, 2024. The operation was led by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Owerri, who apprehended the culprits responsible for the heinous act.
According to the police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, the arrested suspects include Ifeoma Anyanwu, 41, from Oloko, Ikwuano LGA, Abia State; Chibuzor Lucky, 42, from Umuezeala Umuerim, Ubakala, Umuahia, Abia State; Charity Kalu, 24, from Okono, Ohafia LGA, Abia State; and Isidore Ozioma, 56, from Umuhu Onicha, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, Imo State. The police investigation revealed that the suspects lured the children into a tricycle while they were playing and transported them to a hidden location in Aba, where they were sold for 1,000,000 naira.
Prompt action by the police led to the successful rescue of the abducted children and the apprehension of the suspects. The children have since been reunited with their families, and investigations are still ongoing to locate other potential victims linked to the syndicate.
In a statement, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, issued a strong warning to parents and guardians, emphasizing the importance of vigilance to protect children from such incidents. He urged families to remain cautious and supervise their children closely, especially when interacting with strangers.
Child trafficking remains a major issue, with organized syndicates preying on vulnerable children for illegal activities such as forced labor, sexual exploitation, and child soldiering. These criminal networks often operate both locally and internationally, targeting children from impoverished areas.
