Port Harcourt, Rivers State – In a daring operation, the Rivers State Police Command has busted a notorious child trafficking ring, rescuing 16 children and arresting a female suspect linked to the crime.
According to SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, the children were found in an estate in the Ozuoba community, Obio/Akpor local government area of the state. The rescue operation was carried out by police operatives following a tip-off and intelligence gathering in the area.
“The 16 children were rescued by our police operatives in Ozuoba following a tip-off and conducting intelligence gathering in the area. One individual has been arrested, and an investigation is underway to identify other accomplices,” Iringe-Koko confirmed in an interview with journalists on Monday in Port Harcourt.
The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was said to have been taking children from nearby communities and churches. Residents of Ozuoba had raised the alarm about the suspect’s activities, prompting the police to swing into action.
A witness, who identified herself as Faith, alleged that the woman had been bringing different children to her residence, sparking suspicion among neighbors. “On Sunday, some individuals confronted her and inquired what she was doing with so many children, but she could not provide a satisfactory explanation, prompting them to contact the police,” Faith said.
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Another witness revealed that the suspect had been living in the fenced compound with numerous children for over two years, fueling suspicions of foul play.
The case has been referred to the Commissioner of Police Monitoring Unit for further investigation, Iringe-Koko said.
Notably, those close to the matter insist that the bursting of the child trafficking ring is a major breakthrough for the Rivers State Police Command, which has been working tirelessly to combat crime and protect vulnerable members of society.
It bears mentioning that the rescue of the 16 children is a welcome development, and the police are urged to ensure that the suspect is brought to justice and the children are reunited with their families.
