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Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Abia State have rescued six abducted children and arrested a 51-year-old man suspected of belonging to a child trafficking syndicate operating in the state.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday, the police spokeswoman in the state Maureen Chinaka identified the suspect as Nnamdi Lazarus.
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Mr Lazarus hails from Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, but currently resides in Uratta, Aba, Abia State, Ms Chinaka said.
According to the police, the suspect was arrested following an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Aba North.
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The police identified the rescued children as Nnenna Ogbuogu, 5, and Nwanne Ogbuogu, 3, both from Abriba in Abia State; Amanda Emmanuella, 3, Destiny Emmanuel, 7 and Anointing Emmanuel, 5, all from Item in Abia State; and Ihechi Obasi, 7, also from Item.
The police said the children were found in the suspect’s custody during the operation.
Families reunited
The statement said all six children have since been reunited with their families.
It added that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the suspected child trafficking syndicate.
“The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the police said.
Police vow crackdown
Reaffirming its commitment to tackling organised crime, the command said it would continue to rely on intelligence-led policing to dismantle criminal networks across the state.
“The Abia State Police Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property through intelligence-led policing,” the statement said.
“The Command assures residents that there will be no hiding place for criminal elements within the State.”
Background
The latest operation comes amid intensified efforts by the police in the state to combat organised crime, including cultism, armed robbery and child-related offences.
In recent months, police announced the arrest of 13 suspected armed robbers and cultists during separate intelligence-led operations, recovering a pump-action gun and other weapons.
It also secured convictions against two child molesters, signalling a broader push to strengthen child protection and improve public safety in the state.
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