The Rivers State Police Command has successfully rescued four children from the clutches of a child trafficking syndicate operating in the Rumukwachi community near Port Harcourt.
The children, aged between one and thirteen years, were saved during a police operation that led to the arrest of the primary suspect, Esther Anthony, and one of her accomplices.
How the Incident Unfolded
The rescue operation was initiated after the managing director of Alaeze Guest House, where the children were lodged, grew suspicious of Esther Anthony’s actions. According to a statement by Grace Iringe-Koko, the Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, the children were about to be trafficked when the police intervened.
“The children, aged one to thirteen years, were lodged at Alaeze Guest House in Rumukwachi, Port Harcourt, and were intended to be handed over to a nurse named Loveth, who operates a maternity home,” Iringe-Koko revealed.
The guest house manager’s vigilance played a key role in thwarting the trafficking attempt. Upon realizing Anthony’s suspicious behavior, the manager refused to allow her to check out with the children, insisting that their mother must be present. In an attempt to intimidate the manager, Anthony left the premises and returned with police officers, falsely accusing the manager of abducting the children and threatening her with a gun.
The manager, however, contacted the Choba Area Command, leading to Anthony’s arrest. Preliminary investigations uncovered a larger trafficking operation involving a co-conspirator named Favour, who reportedly helped Anthony traffic the children from the Swali community in Bayelsa State.
Details of the Trafficking Plot
The children were allegedly destined to be handed over to a nurse named Loveth, who runs a maternity home and is suspected of being part of the trafficking syndicate. Police are working to determine the extent of Loveth’s involvement in the criminal network.
Iringe-Koko explained that the suspects have confessed to their roles in the trafficking operation. “The investigation revealed that the children were being moved without the consent of their families, and Esther Anthony was coordinating with others to facilitate the illegal transfer,” she stated.
Reunion and Ongoing Investigations
Following their rescue, the children have been reunited with their families, bringing relief to their loved ones. The police assured the public that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will face justice.
“The suspects have admitted to the crime and will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded,” Iringe-Koko added.
Community and Law Enforcement Collaboration
The successful operation underscores the importance of vigilance and collaboration between community members and law enforcement. The guest house manager’s quick thinking and refusal to release the children without proper verification were critical in preventing the trafficking attempt.
This incident sheds light on the prevalence of child trafficking in Nigeria and the need for heightened awareness and stricter enforcement of child protection laws. The Rivers State Police Command reiterated its commitment to combating such crimes and urged the public to report any suspicious activities to authorities promptly.
The rescue of these children marks a significant victory against child trafficking, but it also serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges in eradicating this heinous crime. Law enforcement agencies are calling for greater public support in their efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and protect vulnerable children across the country.
