Crime

How Police Smash Child Trafficking Ring in Rivers, Rescues Four Abducted Children

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 3rd, 2024.

How Police Smash Child Trafficking Ring in Rivers, Rescues Four Abducted Children

The Rivers State Police Command has successfully rescued four children after dismantling a child trafficking ring in the Rumukwachi Community near Port Harcourt, the state capital.

In connection with the operation, police arrested Esther Anthony, a key suspect, along with another individual believed to be her accomplice. The children, ranging in age from one to 13 years, were reportedly trafficked from Bayelsa State.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the details in a statement issued on Monday. Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, explained that the children were found at a guest house in Rumukwachi, where they were being held for illegal trade.

According to the statement, the children were being prepared to be handed over to a nurse named Loveth, who operates a maternity home. However, the guest house manager grew suspicious of Anthony’s actions and refused to allow her to leave with the children unless the children’s mother was present. Anthony left the premises, only to return with police officers, falsely claiming that the guest house manager had abducted the children and threatened her with a weapon.

The manager, however, immediately contacted the Choba Area Command, and officers quickly arrived, arresting Anthony. Initial investigations revealed that Anthony had conspired with a person named Favour to traffic the children from the Swali community in Bayelsa.

Purity Silas was also apprehended during the investigation. Additionally, another family identified Esther Anthony as the individual responsible for kidnapping their three children in the Rumuodara area of Port Harcourt, whom she later sold to Loveth.

All suspects have confessed to their involvement in the trafficking operation. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department in Port Harcourt, where the suspects remain in custody pending further legal action.

Iringe-Koko emphasized that this operation highlights the ongoing efforts by the Rivers State Police Command to combat child trafficking and bring perpetrators to justice. The rescued children have been reunited with their families.