By Anwar Usman
Detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri, on Monday, busted a notorious child trafficking syndicate involved in the abduction of children from unsuspecting parents.
In a statement issued by the police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, he said, “The operation led to the rescue of three children, who were abducted on 4 July 2024 in Ndinwegbu Umuoma, Onicha, and Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Areas.
“The arrested suspects include Ifeoma Anyanwu, aged 41, from Oloko, Ikwuano LGA, Abia State; Chibuzor Lucky, aged 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.
“Investigations revealed that the suspects tempted the children into their tricycle while they were playing outside and subsequently transported them to a hidden location in Aba, where they were sold for 1,000,000 naira. Prompt police action led to the rescue of the children and the apprehension of the suspects.”
The suspects are currently undergoing a rigorous investigation at the State CID, and efforts are ongoing to locate additional missing children. The rescued children have been safely reunited with their families.
These syndicates operate both locally and internationally, often targeting vulnerable children from poverty-striken or conflict-affected areas.
Traffickers use force, abduction, and deception to recruit or kidnap children, who are then smuggled across borders or within countries for sale or exploitation.