The National Agency for the
Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested 11 persons for suspected
child trafficking, abduction and sale of children. They were arrested in
different parts of Anambra state in a combined operation carried out with the
support of the operatives of the Directorate of the State Services (DSS).
The suspects comprising 8 women and
3 men were said to have belonged to a criminal syndicate that specialized in
kidnapping and sale of babies across the country notably the States of the
South-East, Lagos and Abuja.
Three children whose ages range
from 8 months to 4 years were recovered during the operation while scores of
other children believed to have been trafficked by the gang are yet to be
found.
Among the children were a 2 - year
old girl who was reportedly stolen from Lagos sometimes ago and another 4 - year
old boy who was allegedly stolen from his parents in Gudaba area of the Federal
capital territory. His parents are yet to be traced.
The parents of the 8 month old child
are yet to be traced while the 2 years old child whose 4 year old brother is
yet to be recovered has been identified by her parents. She was stolen from
Okpoko in Anambra State and was recovered in Lagos.
One of the arrested suspects,
Rosemary Okafor (30 years old) sold one of her 4 children (New born baby) to
one woman simply identified as Madam Pink at the cost of N350, 000. She
confessed to have sold the baby to be able to train the other three in school.
While the suspects are in the
custody of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Agency, the rescued children and the
remaining 3 children of Rosemary Okafor victims are presently receiving the
required services at the Agency’s shelter.
Investigation on the matter
continues.
Adekoye Vincent
For: Head, Press and Public
Relations Unit
(NAPTIP)
28th February, 2018
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