Security Forces Bust Child Trafficking Syndicate, Arrest 5 Suspects in A’Ibom
Security operatives in Akwa Ibom State have dismantled a suspected child trafficking syndicate, arresting five individuals along the Ikot Ekpene–Aba highway.
The suspects were apprehended on August 28 by detectives attached to the Criminal Surveillance Unit (CSU) during a routine stop-and-search operation. The officers intercepted an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Uwakmfom Transportation Company and discovered a passenger with a child whose identity she could not credibly explain.
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According to security sources, the passenger, identified as Precious Emmanuel Bassey, was found with a two-year-old girl, Glory Edet Etim. When questioned, Bassey allegedly failed to provide a satisfactory account of the child and later confessed she was transporting her to Lagos for trafficking. She further admitted to previously selling another child.
Her confession reportedly led to the arrest of four other suspects: Godspower Edet, Esther Effiong Edet, Mandu Asuquo Sampson, and Eli Adolphus.
Investigators revealed that discreet efforts are underway to track down additional members of the syndicate and recover children who may have already been trafficked.
Authorities assured that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, reaffirming their commitment to combating child trafficking in the state and beyond.
By PRNigeria
