The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abia State Command, has apprehended two individuals in connection with child trafficking and abduction.
The suspects, identified as 24-year-old Mr. Uche Royal, a native of Ohaji in Owerri West LGA, Imo State, and 20-year-old Miss Chidera Donatus, a native of Nenwe in Aninri LGA, Enugu State, were arrested in Aba, Abia State, on December 26, 2024.
The arrest followed credible intelligence provided by a volunteer, Mr. Innocent Enyinnaya, which led to the successful rescue of a three-year-old girl, Miss Chiamaka Ahamefula, from Ukpaka Ukwu in Umuahia, Abia State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Miss Chidera was introduced to Mr. Uche by an accomplice identified as Mr. Danji, who resides in Aba and is currently at large.
Further findings indicate that the suspects and their accomplice have been involved in the illicit activity for some time.
The NSCDC State Commandant, Mr. Akinsola Aderemi, in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Doreen Udugwu, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating criminal activities in the state.
He further reiterated that a diligent investigation would be conducted in the case of Mr. Uche and Miss Chidera, adding that the Command “remains resolute in bringing in their accomplices and the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice and ensuring the Corps puts an end to such practices.”
Commandant Aderemi noted that once investigations are concluded, the suspects would be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for prosecution, as the agency is statutorily empowered to handle such offenses.
The Commandant called on parents to take responsibility for the proper upbringing of their children.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide the Command with credible intelligence regarding any suspicious activity within their environment.
