Photo: NAPTIP arrests 11 members of criminal syndicate specialized in kidnapping and sale of children in South-East, Lagos and Abuja

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested 11 persons for suspected child trafficking, abduction and sale of children.

They were arrested in different parts of Anambra state in a combined operation carried out with the support of the operatives of the Directorate of the State Services (DSS).

The suspects comprising 8 women and 3 men were said to have belonged to a criminal syndicate that specialized in kidnapping and sale of babies across the country notably the States of the South-East, Lagos and Abuja.

Three children whose ages range from 8 months to 4 years were recovered during the operation while scores of other children believed to have been trafficked by the gang are yet to be found.

Among the children were a 2 – year old girl who was reportedly stolen from Lagos sometimes ago and another 4 – year old boy who was allegedly stolen from his parents in Gudaba area of the Federal capital territory. His parents are yet to be traced.

The parents of the 8 month old child are yet to be traced while the 2 years old child whose 4 year old brother is yet to be recovered has been identified by her parents. She was stolen from Okpoko in Anambra State and was recovered in Lagos.

One of the arrested suspects, Rosemary Okafor (30 years old) sold one of her 4 children (New born baby) to one woman simply identified as Madam Pink at the cost of N350, 000. She confessed to have sold the baby to be able to train the other three in school.

While the suspects are in the custody of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Agency, the rescued children and the remaining 3 children of Rosemary Okafor victims are presently receiving the required services at the Agency’s shelter.

Investigation on the matter continues.