The Rivers state police command says that its operatives busted a child trafficking ring and arrested four suspects in Igwuruta and Omagwa in Obio/Akpor and Ikwere local government areas of the state.
In addition to the arrests, the police were able to rescue ten young girls, many of whom were pregnant, from the locations that were raided.
According to the Command’s Spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, the successful operation was a result of a tip-off that was acted upon promptly by the C4I Intelligence Unit Operatives.
The suspects that were arrested include Favour Bright, 30, from Umudioga Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State and Peace Alikoi, 40, from Igwuruta Community in Ikwere Local Government Area, who is believed to be the leader of the trafficking syndicate. Also arrested were two males, Noble Uzuchi, 17 and Chigozie Ogbonna, 29, who were allegedly hired by the syndicate to impregnate the young girls.
According to the statement issued by Iringe-Koko, the syndicate leader would take the babies from the young girls and pay them N500,000.
Unfortunately, some of the babies have already been sold. The victims that were rescued have reported that they were lured into the illicit sales of children due to financial difficulties.
The police have recovered a Honda Pilot Jeep with registration number Lagos FST 607 AX and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal and Investigation Department.
Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police in order to combat this heinous crime. The command is committed to reducing crime and criminal activity in all forms.
