Police arrest suspected child trafficker in Abia, rescue six abducted children

Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have arrested a suspected child trafficker, identified as Nnamdi Lazarus, and rescued six children allegedly abducted from different parts of the state.

The suspect was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation in Aba, where detectives uncovered what police described as a child trafficking network operating within and beyond Abia State.

According to the Police Command, the operation followed investigations into reports of missing children in Aba and surrounding communities. Acting on credible intelligence, officers tracked the suspect to a location where the six children, aged between two and seven years, were being kept.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly lured the children from residential areas, churches and markets by offering them sweets and biscuits before taking them to temporary hideouts. Police believe the children were being prepared for transportation to destinations outside the state when the operation was carried out.

The rescued children have since undergone medical examinations and are receiving care while authorities work to identify and reunite them with their parents and legal guardians.

The Police Command said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), while efforts have been intensified to track down other members of the suspected trafficking syndicate believed to be operating across neighbouring states.

Commissioner of Police in Abia State commended the officers involved in the operation, describing the rescue as a major breakthrough in the fight against child trafficking and other organised crimes in the state.

He also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely monitor their children, especially in crowded public places such as markets, schools, churches and recreational centres.

The command assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that all those connected to the trafficking network would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Police further reaffirmed their commitment to protecting children and dismantling criminal networks involved in child trafficking, while encouraging members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.