Police rescue 4 children from child trafficking syndicate in Rivers

The Rivers State Police have successfully rescued four children from a child trafficking syndicate operating in the Rumukwachi Community near Port Harcourt.

The children, aged between one and 13 years, were found in a guest house, where they were reportedly being held before being trafficked.

The primary suspect, Esther Anthony, along with an alleged accomplice, were arrested by the police in connection with the trafficking operation. The timely intervention of the police prevented the children from being exploited.

Rivers State Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest and rescue in a statement on Monday, December 2, emphasizing the efforts of the police in dismantling the trafficking ring.

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She said, “The children, aged one to thirteen years, were lodged at Alaeze Guest House in Rumukwachi, Port Harcourt, and were intended to be handed over to a nurse named Loveth, who runs a maternity home.

“The managing director of the guest house became suspicious of Esther Anthony’s activities and refused to allow her to check out with the children, insisting that the mother be present. Esther Anthony left, only to return with police officers, falsely claiming that the guest house manager had abducted the children and threatened her with a gun.

“However, the managing director contacted the Choba Area Command, and officers arrived to arrest Anthony. Preliminary investigations revealed that Esther Anthony had conspired with a person named Favour to traffic the children from the Swali Community in Bayelsa State,” the police spokesperson said.

She said that the suspects have confessed to the crime and would be charged to court once investigation is completed.

“Meanwhile, the children have been reunited with their family members,” she said.