The police command in Imo says it has arrested a 42-year-old suspected child trafficker and rescued 12 alleged stolen children.

The command’s spokesman, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Owerri on Monday.

Mr Okoye stated that the suspect, a female who hails from Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala LGA, was arrested on June 20 along the Owerri-Aba Expressway during a stop-and-search operation.

He explained that the arrest of the suspect led to the uncovering of a disturbing child-trafficking network that specialised in exploiting minors and using them for street begging in Aba.

“Upon her arrest, the suspect was found with several children whose appearance and condition immediately aroused suspicion.

“Consequently, the case was referred to the IGP X-Squad Unit for discreet investigation,” he said.

Mr Okoye said that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala to Aba, where they are forced into street begging.

He added that the suspect also disclosed that proceeds from their activities were allegedly sent to a motherless babies’ home in Okenyi, Eche LGA in Rivers, where she claimed to be employed.

He stated that the 12 rescued children, all between the ages of five and 13, were from various communities in the Ngor-Okpala LGA.

“Presently, the children are in safe custody, and efforts are ongoing in collaboration with relevant agencies to identify and reunite them with their biological families,” he said.

Mr Okoye added that anyone with useful information on how the children could be reunited with their families should contact the command via the X-Squad Unit or through the following numbers: 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.

Police commissioner Aboki Danjuma condemned all forms of child trafficking and warned that anyone found indulging in the act would face the wrath of the law.

Mr Danjuma also reassured the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of every child in the state.

(NAN)