In a commendable operation, the Rivers State Police Command has rescued a one-year-old boy from the clutches of a child trafficking syndicate. The arrest of three key suspects and the reunion of the infant with his recovering mother has shone a spotlight on the ongoing fight against child trafficking in Nigeria.
On August 25, 2024, at around 6:35 a.m., the police, responding to a distress call, apprehended the suspects during a swift operation conducted by operatives from the Ubima Divisional Headquarters. According to SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Rivers State, the child’s mother, 20-year-old Queen Orlu, was found unconscious in Omeka Farmland in the Ucheabuor community, Ikwerre Local Government Area. She had suffered severe injuries, including a protruding intestine from a stomach wound. Investigation revealed that a syndicate member, Polycarp Uzoma from Akwa in Ohaji LGA, Imo State, had lured Queen into a bush path, attacked her, and left her for dead.
After the attack, Uzoma abducted Queen’s baby and sold the child to one Happiness Amadi for ₦1.4 million. Another suspect, Chinyere Ordu, an auxiliary nurse, facilitated the transaction and received ₦800,000 as a broker’s fee. Fortunately, police recovered ₦800,000 during the investigation and apprehended the suspects. The rescued baby has since been reunited with his mother, who is receiving medical care at the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).
SP Iringe-Koko reassured the public that the suspects and exhibits are in police custody, and the case will proceed to court upon conclusion of the investigation. “This successful operation demonstrates the commitment of the Rivers State Police Command to combating child trafficking and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals,” she emphasized.
Police Crack Down on Notorious One-Chance Robbery Gang in Port Harcourt
In another significant achievement, the Rivers State Police Command has arrested a notorious one-chance robbery gang that has terrorized Port Harcourt residents for two years. The gang, known for robbing unsuspecting passengers in their commercial vehicle, was apprehended on September 4, 2024, at Garrison FlyRivers State Police Rescue Infant from Child Trafficking Syndicate, Arrest Three Suspects
In a commendable operation, the Rivers State Police Command has rescued a one-year-old boy from the clutches of a child trafficking syndicate. The arrest of three key suspects and the reunion of the infant with his recovering mother has shone a spotlight on the ongoing fight against child trafficking in Nigeria.
On August 25, 2024, at around 6:35 a.m., the police, responding to a distress call, apprehended the suspects during a swift operation conducted by operatives from the Ubima Divisional Headquarters. According to SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Rivers State, the child’s mother, 20-year-old Queen Orlu, was found unconscious in Omeka Farmland in the Ucheabuor community, Ikwerre Local Government Area. She had suffered severe injuries, including a protruding intestine from a stomach wound. Investigation revealed that a syndicate member, Polycarp Uzoma from Akwa in Ohaji LGA, Imo State, had lured Queen into a bush path, attacked her, and left her for dead.
After the attack, Uzoma abducted Queen’s baby and sold the child to one Happiness Amadi for ₦1.4 million. Another suspect, Chinyere Ordu, an auxiliary nurse, facilitated the transaction and received ₦800,000 as a broker’s fee. Fortunately, police recovered ₦800,000 during the investigation and apprehended the suspects. The rescued baby has since been reunited with his mother, who is receiving medical care at the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).
SP Iringe-Koko reassured the public that the suspects and exhibits are in police custody, and the case will proceed to court upon conclusion of the investigation. “This successful operation demonstrates the commitment of the Rivers State Police Command to combating child trafficking and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals,” she emphasized.
Police Crack Down on Notorious One-Chance Robbery Gang in Port Harcourt
In another significant achievement, the Rivers State Police Command has arrested a notorious one-chance robbery gang that has terrorized Port Harcourt residents for two years. The gang, known for robbing unsuspecting passengers in their commercial vehicle, was apprehended on September 4, 2024, at Garrison Flyover around 9 p.m.
According to the police, the gang’s modus operandi involved leaving a single space in their car for victims. Once the passenger boarded, they would rob the individual of their valuables and abandon them. The arrested suspects include Thaddeus Sunday Ogu (42), Chinagorom Eze (35), and Favour Yusuf (30), who were operating a purple Volkswagen Golf 3 with registration number Rivers-ABU 738 LS. During the arrest, Ogu attempted to flee and fired at the police but was injured in the exchange. He later succumbed to his injuries at the Police Clinic in Port Harcourt.
The gang confessed to their crimes and explained that their usual strategy was to feign distress and distract their victim while the others stole the person’s belongings. The stolen goods were sold to awaiting buyers, and the proceeds were shared among the gang members. The police recovered several items, including their operational vehicle, a locally made pistol, and a live cartridge.
Chinagorom Eze, who had previously been arrested for a similar crime in Delta State, admitted to her involvement. “We did not use a gun to operate,” she said, adding that she had been part of the gang for two years.
These successful operations underscore the commitment of the Rivers State Police Command to maintaining law and order, while ensuring justice for victims of heinous crimes like child trafficking and robbery.