Police arrest suspected human traffickers, child abductors in Delta, Ebonyi, rescue 18

NSCDC parades eight for illegal arms possession

The police have recorded success in the fight against human trafficking and child abduction as 15 suspects were arrested in different operations in Delta and Ebonyi states.

Detectives attached to Delta State Police Command, Asaba yesterday arrested six suspects for human trafficking. They were alleged to be operating in Asaba and Okpanam communities.

Twelve children were rescued from the gang.

Also, the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Peace Ibekwe Abdallah announced yesterday that nine suspects had been arrested for child trafficking. Six children were rescued from the suspects.

The police spokesperson in Delta, Mrs. Celestina Kalu who confirmed the arrests said the leader of the syndicate, “Madam Cash” had been operating undercover in a restaurant around Umuaji Quarters in Asaba where she allegedly lured unsuspecting victims into business deals before moving them outside the state.

According to Kalu: “We rescued 12 kids from her custody. She is currently helping the police in further investigation while three of her gang members are on the run.”

The parents of the rescued kids immediately converged on the police headquarters with the photographs of their missing children.

But the police image maker said the victims would not be released to their parents until investigations are completed.

Briefing newsmen in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, the commissioner of police said the children were rescued at different locations, including an orphanage at Nkpor Uno, Anambra State.

According to her: “The suspects, Kate Okoro and her gang have been charged to court.”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Benue State Command has arrested eight persons for illegal possession of arms.

They were suspected of attempting to disrupt the selection of a traditional council scheduled to hold in Ohimini local council in the state.

The command also announced that one person suspected of being an escapee from prison has been arrested.

Parading the suspects before journalists in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, the state Commandant of NSCDC, Shuaib Mohmood said his men got information about the planned attack and quickly mobilised a team to take action, which led to the arrest.