Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Awka, have complemented the efforts of their Adamawa State Police Command to bust an interstate child stealing/abduction and trafficking syndicate.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, said, “the intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of one female suspect, Uche Okoye aged 43 years, and the rescue of eleven children.
He hinted that the rescued children includes, (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 N1,500,000 (one million, five hundred thousand Naira) for the boys and N800,000 (eight hundred thousand Naira) only for the girls respectively.
“The rescued children were handed over to the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Shuaibu Wara, Team Leader of the Operatives from Adamawa Police Command, for possible reuniting with their families and biological parents.
“Meanwhile, the command is working on the information provided by the suspect for the possible arrest and prosecution of other members of the syndicate.
“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Ikioye Uche Orutugu, 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.
” In a strong advisory, the CP, 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,” it informed