The suspects were
arrested in different parts of Anambra State in a combined operation carried
out with the support of the operatives of the Department of the State Services
(DSS).
The suspects comprising
eight women and three men, allegedly belonged to a criminal syndicate that
specialised in kidnapping and selling of babies across the country, especially
at South-East, Lagos and Abuja.
NAPTIP acting Head, Press
and Public Relations Unit, Mr Adekoye Vincent, said: “ Three children whose
ages range from eight months to four years were recovered during the operation,
while scores of other children believed to have been trafficked by the gang are
yet to be found.”
According to Vincent, among
the children were a two-year-old girl who was reportedly stolen from Lagos
sometimes ago and another four-year-old boy, who was also allegedly stolen from
his parents in Gudaba area of the Federal Capital Territory. His parents are
yet to be traced.
“The parents of the eight
month old child are yet to be traced, while the two years old child, whose four
years old brother is yet to be recovered has been identified by her parents.
She was stolen from Okpoko in Anambra State and was recovered in Lagos,” said
Vincent.
Vincent added that one
of the arrested suspects, Rosemary Okafor (30), allegedly sold one of her four
children (New born baby), to a woman simply identified as Madam Pink at the
cost of N350, 000. She confessed to have sold the baby in order to be able to
train the other three in school.
“While the suspects are
in the custody of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Agency, the rescued children
and the remaining three children of Rosemary Okafor victims are presently
receiving the required services at the Agency’s shelter. Investigation on the
matter continues.”
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