The Anambra Police Command has arrested a 55-year-old woman, Nkechi Odinye and her accomplices allegedly running a syndicate that traffics children in the state.
The police also rescued 12 children in their possession suspected to have been kidnapped from different parts of the country.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Haruna Mohammed, the suspects were arrested at Nkpor market/Tarzan Junction in Idemili North local council area.
The PPRO said Nkechi was arrested following the confessional statement made by three other child traffickers that were arrested in October 2019 at Nkpor market/Tarzan junction in Idemili North LGA in the state.
Haruna also said the children found with the three female traffickers arrested in Nkpor were actually stolen from Gombe State by one Hauwa Musa and brought to her accomplices in Anambra State.
“On the 31/8/2020, following the confession and while acting on a tip off, Police detectives attached to 3-3 Division Onitsha in Collaboration with Operatives attached to the Command Special Anti-Cult Section (SPACS) stormed the hideout of the principal suspect one Nkechi Odinye ‘f’ aged 55 years and effected her arrest at Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
”The Suspect who evaded arrest for over three years has remained on the run, busy changing locations until her arrest.
”The team equally rescued twelve children of various age brackets, comprising of 8 boys and 4 girls reasonably suspected to have been stolen from different parts of the Country under her custody.” the statement read.
Haruna said the rescued children are presently under protective care and Investigation is still ongoing.
