Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have arrested two suspected child traffickers for operating an unregistered motherless babies’ home in their residential apartment in Aba.

In a statement on Monday, Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi said 12 children aged between six months and 14 years, found in their residence, have been rescued.

Mr Adejobi said the command, “acting on credible intelligence, arrested two individuals, one Blessing Emebo ‘f’, 49 years and  Sunday Emebo ‘m’, 42 years, for operating an unregistered and illegal motherless babies’ home within their residential apartment located at Ikot Ekpene Road, Aba.”

He stated that upon intervention by the operatives, “12 children, ranging in age from six months to fourteen years, housed in the premises” were discovered.

Mr Adejobi added, “Preliminary investigations revealed that the children originated from various villages in the Arochukwu area.”

He stated that the rescued minors have been handed over to the state Ministry of Women Affairs for proper care.

Mr Adejobi assured that the suspects, who are currently being interrogated, would be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.

He said the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives and the cooperation of members of the public for the operations.

The Force spokesperson advised the members of the public to remain vigilant, avoid entrusting children to unfamiliar persons, and promptly report any suspicious activity or individuals to the nearest police station.