Police in Rivers State, south-south Nigeria, say they have rescued 12 child trafficking victims during a sting operation at two alleged “baby factories” in the state.
The police spokesperson in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, said in a statement in Port Harcourt on Tuesday that the police also arrested four suspected operators of the “baby factory”.
He said the victims, including two adult men and 10 pregnant women, including teenagers, were forcibly detained at the factory after being brainwashed by operators.
He said, “On January 7, at about 4:45pm, we received credible intelligence about the activities of a child trafficking ring in Igwuruta and Omagwa communities in Kali.
“After receiving the intelligence, the C41 Intelligence Unit command raided two houses (factories) in Igwuruta and Omagwa communities that were victims of child trafficking.
“In the operation, four suspected factory operators, including two men and two women were arrested by our operatives,” he said.
Ms Iringe-Koko, the superintendent of police, who revealed the identities of the victims and suspects, said the suspected traffickers were led by a 40-year-old woman from the Igwuruta community in the state.
According to him, the pregnant victim was aged between 15 and 29 at the time of the rescue.
“The investigation revealed that when the victims delivered the pregnancy, the syndicate leaders took the babies and paid the victims N500,000.
“All the victims admitted that they were lured into the illegal sale of their children because they were promised money to overcome their financial challenges.
“The case has been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Command while efforts are being made to trace and arrest those who have bought the children from the factory,” he said.
The command spokesman said a Honda Pilot SUV with registration number: Lagos FST 607 AX was recovered from the leader of the syndicate.
He urged members of the public to come forward with credible information about criminal activities in their areas.
(AT)
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