Nasarawa Child Trafficking Ring Exposed: 10 Arrested, Six Children Rescued

Nasarawa Child Trafficking Ring Exposed: 10 Arrested, Six Children Rescued

The Nasarawa State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against child theft and trafficking with the arrest of ten suspects allegedly involved in the heinous crime…..READ ALSO

Additionally, six children have been successfully rescued from the clutches of the syndicate.

Commissioner Shehu Nadada revealed this development during a press briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Lafia. According to Nadada, the arrests were made following diligent police work and a tip-off from concerned citizens.

The operation began when officers from the Keffi Division intercepted a man in the midst of a hostile mob on January 10. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the man was allegedly involved in the abduction of a five-year-old boy in Keffi. Subsequent interrogation led to the confession of his involvement in a larger syndicate dedicated to the theft and sale of children.

Further investigation and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies uncovered the extent of the syndicate’s operations. Analysis of the suspects’ mobile phones revealed evidence of the abduction and sale of at least 45 children, who were then illegally adopted by unsuspecting individuals across various states in Nigeria.

The children, mostly taken from Abuja, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Niger states, were being sold at varying prices ranging from N350,000 to N1.5 million, depending on factors such as age and gender. Shockingly, the suspects were also found to be colluding with certain social welfare officers to produce fake documents facilitating the illegal transactions.

The successful rescue of six children represents a significant victory in the fight against child trafficking and exploitation. However, Commissioner Nadada emphasized that efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional accomplices and recover more stolen children.

The arrest of these suspects underscores the commitment of the Nasarawa State Police Command to safeguarding the welfare and rights of children. It sends a strong message to criminal elements involved in such despicable activities that they will face the full wrath of the law.