Police arrest two suspected child traffickers, rescue victim in Imo

The Imo police command says it has arrested two suspected child traffickers in connection with the abduction of a four-year-old boy in the state.

A statement on Thursday by Henry Okoye, police spokesperson in the state, said the victim identified as Jaffa Umar, was allegedly abducted while he was hawking vegetables in Abuja.

Okoye said the suspects — Joy Ugwu from Idah, Kogi state, and Rosella Michael from Zuba area in Abuja — allegedly brought the victim to Owerri in Imo state, where they were negotiating his sale for N2.7 million before they were apprehended.

The police spokesperson noted that the third suspect, who is believed to be a nurse, is currently at large and that the victim has been reunited with his family.

“Investigations revealed that the boy, Jaffa Umar, who speaks Hausa fluently, was abducted in Abuja while hawking vegetables,” the statement reads.

“The suspects brought him to Owerri and were negotiating to sell him for ₦2.7 million before their arrest. A third accomplice, believed to be a nurse, is currently at large.”

He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons in the state, while urging residents to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station.

“The child has been safely reunited with his family through coordinated efforts between the Imo state police command and Zone 7 police headquarters, Abuja while the suspects have been transferred to the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID), Abuja for further investigation and prosecution,” Okoye said.

“The commissioner of police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reassures the public of the command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and dismantling trafficking networks.

“He encourages residents to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via the emergency line 0803 477 3600.”