The Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency has arrested a 42-year-old man, Sunday Nomen, over alleged involvement in child trafficking, following an intelligence-led operation in Nkpor.
According to the agency, the suspect, who hails from Ebonyi State, was apprehended on Sunday in Idemili Local Government Area. Two children aged between three and eight years were rescued during the operation.
The spokesperson of the agency, Karen James, disclosed while parading the suspect at the SASA headquarters in Onitsha that the arrest followed intelligence indicating the suspect’s involvement in an interstate child-trafficking network dealing in infants from as young as six months.
She explained that an operative posed as a prospective buyer during a covert operation, leading to the suspect’s arrest during negotiations. The suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation that he purchased the children for ₦3.5 million.
Investigations further revealed that the suspect had travelled to Onitsha to meet an accomplice identified as Mrs. Uju, who allegedly introduced him to the trafficking syndicate. The children were reportedly lodged temporarily in a hotel in Nkpor while arrangements were being made to contact the accomplice.
James said the suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for further investigation, as authorities intensify efforts to uncover other members of the trafficking network and ensure the protection of vulnerable children.