Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Abia State have rescued six kidnapped children and arrested a 51-year-old man believed to be part of a child trafficking gang in the area.
In a statement on Facebook on Thursday, police spokeswoman Maureen Chinaka named the suspect as Nnamdi Lazarus.
Mr Lazarus is from Mbano Local Government Area in Imo State but lives in Uratta, Aba, Abia State, according to Ms Chinaka.
The police said the suspect was arrested during an operation led by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in Aba North.
The rescued children are Nnenna Ogbuogu, 5, and Nwanne Ogbuogu, 3, both from Abriba in Abia State. Others include Amanda Emmanuella, 3, Destiny Emmanuel, 7, Anointing Emmanuel, 5, all from Item in Abia State, and Ihechi Obasi, 7, also from Item.
The police said they found the children in the suspect’s care during the operation.
Families reunited
The statement said all six children have been returned to their families.
It also mentioned that investigations are ongoing to find and arrest other members of the suspected child trafficking gang.
“The suspect will be charged to court after the investigations are finished,” the police added.
Police vow crackdown
The police reiterated their commitment to fighting organized crime in the state. They plan to continue using intelligence-led policing to break down criminal networks.
“The Abia State Police Command promises to protect lives and property through smart policing,” the statement said.
“The Command assures residents that there will be no safe haven for criminals in the State.”
Background
This latest operation comes as police in the state step up efforts to fight organized crime, including cult activities, armed robbery, and child-related crimes.
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