DSS, NAPTIP Arrest 11 Traffickers In Anambra, Rescue 3 Children

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have arrested 11 suspected traffickers in Anambra State in a joint operation.

Naija News gathered that the operatives also rescued three children between the ages of eight months to four years from the suspected traffickers.

The suspects comprising eight women and three men are part of a criminal syndicate that specialised in the kidnapping and sale of babies in Southeast, Lagos and Abuja.

According to Punch, one of the suspects, 30-year-old Rosemary Okafor, sold one of her four children for N350,000 to one woman, identified simply as Madam Pink. Okafor said she sold the child so that she could afford to send three other children to school.

The NAPTIP Head of Press and Public Relations, Josiah Emerole, on Wednesday, confirmed the arrest but did not disclose the names of the other suspects.

He said, “Among the rescued children was a two-year-old girl, who was reportedly stolen from Lagos State sometime ago. She has a four-year-old sister who was sold as well and whom we have not yet rescued. The parents of the rescued eight-month-old baby have yet to be traced. The third rescued child was stolen from Okpoko, in Anambra State and was rescued in Lagos.

“While the suspects are in the custody of the Enugu zonal command of the agency, the rescued children and other victims are presently receiving the required services at the agency’s shelter. Investigation into the matter continues.”