The Rivers Police Command has busted a child trafficking ring, rescued  16 children and arrested a female suspect linked to the crime.

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the rescue in an interview with journalists on Monday in Port Harcourt.

She said the children were found in an estate in the Ozuoba community, Obio/Akpor local government area of the state.

“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,’’ she said.

Ms Iringe-Koko said the case had been referred to the Commissioner of Police Monitoring Unit for further investigation.

Residents of Ozuoba had raised the alarm about the suspect, who frequently returned home with different children.

A witness, who gave her name as Faith, alleged that the woman had been taking children from nearby communities and churches.

“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,” she said.

Another witness said the suspect had been residing in the fenced compound with numerous children for over two years. 

(NAN)