The Benue State Police Command has arrested three women suspected to be part of a child trafficking ring after officers intercepted a vehicle transporting six children along the Orokam–Enugu highway.
Spokesperson of the command, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed in a statement on Friday that the suspects — Monica Okonkwo (57), Nkiru Nwosu (55), and Oyechele Francisca (57) — were apprehended during a routine patrol around 5:05 p.m. on Thursday.
According to Edet, the women, all natives of Umude Oka in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, were unable to provide credible explanations for the movement of the children, raising suspicion of trafficking.
The six rescued children were identified as: Amanda Chukwujekwu (8); Chioma Maduagwu (8) ; Oyechegi Kosisochukwu (9) ; Okonkwo Odinaka Chukwu (9) ;Arinze Chukwu (7) and ; Oluchukwu Esther (9).
Preliminary investigations, Edet said, show that the minors were taken from the Divine Peace and Grace Orphanage in Jos, Plateau State, under questionable circumstances. The suspects reportedly claimed that they were ferrying the children to Anambra State.
“The children have been rescued and are currently under protective custody. The suspects are being held at the State CID as investigation continues,” Edet stated.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the operatives for their vigilance, assuring residents that the command remains committed to shutting down trafficking networks in the state.
“We will leave no room for criminal syndicates attempting to exploit children or any vulnerable group. Further updates will be provided as investigations progress,” the Commissioner assured.
The rescue comes amid rising concerns over child trafficking across Nigeria, with security agencies intensifying surveillance on inter-state movements involving minors.
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