Police bust child trafficking ring, rescue 8-year-old boy in Nasarawa

The police in Nasarawa State have dismantled a suspected child trafficking syndicate and rescued an eight-year-old boy allegedly sold for ₦3 million.

The breakthrough followed intelligence received on January 14 indicating that a missing child, identified as Jeremiah Bikwo, was in protective custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Abia State Police Command.

During interrogation, the child reportedly told investigators that he was from Loko in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Further investigations confirmed that he hails from Ogobo Village in Loko.

Sources said police extended their investigation to Abia State, where it was discovered on January 17 that the boy had been sold for ₦3 million.

Six suspects were arrested in connection with the crime. They are Chilaka Calista Nneka (33), Chigbu Cynthia (36), Michael Ibeh Chioma (52), and Victoria Ositadinma (53), all from Abia State, as well as Alhassan Bama (35) of Ogobo Village, Loko LGA, and Jacob Jonah (38) of Olegefe Village, also in Loko LGA.

Investigations revealed that all the suspects have allegedly confessed to their roles in the trafficking of the child.

The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations continue to track down other members of the trafficking network.