Police reject N1m bribe, arrest traffickers, and rescue stolen children in Imo

DDM News

The Imo State Police Command has arrested two suspected traffickers and rescued two stolen children in separate operations across the state.

The police disclosed that one of the suspects attempted to bribe officers with N1 million, but the operatives rejected the offer and ensured that justice was served.

The command’s public relations officer, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed these developments in a statement released on Thursday.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that Imo State has been battling an increasing rate of child trafficking, with several cases linked to organized syndicates operating across the region.

These traffickers target vulnerable families, abducting children or luring desperate parents into selling their infants under false pretenses.

In recent years, security agencies have intensified efforts to dismantle trafficking rings, leading to multiple arrests and the rescue of kidnapped children.

Despite crackdowns, traffickers continue to exploit gaps in law enforcement, often using interstate networks to evade detection.

The police have, however, remained resolute in their mission to curb the activities of traffickers and protect children from being sold into illegal adoption schemes or forced labor.

Police intercept trafficker with stolen child on Owerri-Aba expressway

In one of the latest breakthroughs, operatives of the Safer Highway Unit, while conducting a stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Expressway on February 21, apprehended a 45-year-old woman, Eze Chika.

The suspect was found in possession of a stolen four-year-old child and initially claimed that the child was hers.

However, after intense questioning, she confessed to purchasing the child from traffickers operating in Aba, Abia State, for N1.8 million.

In a desperate bid to evade arrest, Chika allegedly offered the officers a bribe of N1 million to let her go.

Demonstrating professionalism and integrity, the officers rejected the bribe, arrested the suspect, and rescued the child.

Okoye revealed that investigations pointed to a larger network of traffickers, and authorities were already pursuing other possible members of the syndicate.

“The officers acted with high ethical standards and ensured that the child was taken to safety while the suspect was detained for further questioning,” Okoye stated.

Police arrest another trafficker for abducting neighbor’s son

In another operation, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) apprehended a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odo, for abducting her former neighbor’s child.

Odo was arrested on February 4 after investigations revealed that she stole the child while he was playing outside his family’s compound.

The boy, whose parents were identified as Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ududiri, was taken from his home and was being moved to an unknown location when the police intervened.

The officers acted swiftly, ensuring the child was safely returned to his parents, while efforts continued to track down any accomplices.

Okoye explained that the police were working on uncovering the full scope of Odo’s operations, as she could be connected to other traffickers within and outside the state.

Traffickers exploiting vulnerable communities

Child traffickers in the state have been exploiting vulnerable families, particularly those in rural areas, where economic hardship makes children easy targets.

Some traffickers deceive parents into giving up their children with promises of a better life, while others abduct unsuspecting kids from playgrounds, schools, or markets.

Many trafficked children are sold into illegal adoption, forced labor, or even subjected to inhumane treatment in other states or countries.

The police believe that traffickers are constantly evolving their methods, making it necessary for law enforcement to remain proactive in their operations.

Okoye noted that the command’s intelligence unit had been tracking several trafficking syndicates and was determined to put an end to their activities.

Police reiterate commitment to fighting traffickers

The Imo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating child trafficking and other organized crimes in the region.

Okoye called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that could be linked to traffickers.

He urged parents to pay closer attention to their children and avoid leaving them unattended in public places.

“Child trafficking is a serious crime, and we must all work together to put an end to it,” he stated.

He further encouraged the public to assist the police by providing timely information that could help in identifying and apprehending traffickers.

The police provided dedicated phone numbers—0803 477 3600 and 0814 802 4755—for reporting suspected trafficking activities or other crimes.

More arrests expected as investigations continue

With ongoing investigations, the police anticipate making more arrests and uncovering deeper links between traffickers operating across multiple states.

Authorities believe that the suspects in custody will provide valuable leads to dismantle syndicates that have been trafficking children for years.

The recent arrests and rescue operations serve as a warning to traffickers that the law enforcement agencies in Imo are determined to bring them to justice.

For now, the rescued children are safe, but the battle against traffickers continues, with authorities stepping up efforts to ensure such crimes are prevented in the future.

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