The Anambra State Police Command arrested a suspect involved in a child trafficking syndicate operating between Nigeria, Ghana, and Benin Republic. The arrest follows increased reports of missing persons, prompting the police to take action.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Anambra State Police Command has apprehended a suspect linked to a child trafficking syndicate that operates between Nigeria and neighbouring countries such as Ghana and Benin Republic.
The suspect, whose name is withheld, is believed to be part of a gang that specialises in trafficking children aged 13 to 16.
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SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command’s spokesman, announced the arrest in a statement on Wednesday. He revealed that the arrest was made in response to concerns raised by the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Nnaghe Itam, regarding the rising number of missing persons, particularly in areas like Okpoko and Onitsha.
Ikenga confirmed that one of the trafficking victims has been safely returned from Accra, Ghana, to Nigeria, where they were debriefed.
The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka, with efforts ongoing to rescue more victims and apprehend other members of the trafficking syndicate.
This development underscores the police’s commitment to addressing the alarming trend of child trafficking in the region and ensuring the safety and well-being of the state’s residents.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
