Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have apprehended a 36-year-old woman suspected of child trafficking.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, who confirmed the development in a statement released on Friday, said the suspect was arrested by the Command’s Quick Intervention Unit in Amajeke, Owerri, adding that the arrest led to the rescue of three children allegedly stolen by the suspect in Anambra State.
According to him, the arrest followed a thorough investigation and an intelligence-driven operation. He said that the rescued children have since been safely reunited with their families.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to her involvement in child trafficking, adding that she worked with a syndicate based in Onitsha, to whom she sold the children. According to her, the group primarily targeted children from unsuspecting parents in Anambra and Imo States.
Okoye added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate who remain at large, and that the suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
While reiterating the command’s commitment to combating child trafficking and related crimes, Okoye emphasised the importance of community collaboration in eradicating such heinous crimes and vowed to intensify efforts to safeguard children across the state.
