Adamawa police rescue 13 trafficked children, 4 kidnap victims
Recover stolen vehicles, assorted weapons, ammunition
In a major operational breakthrough against child trafficking, kidnapping and other sundry crimes, the Adamawa State Police Command has rescued thirteen children who were allegedly stolen and trafficked from Adamawa to Anambra State, as well as four kidnap victims in what the police described as a “landmark operation.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris made the disclosure during a press briefing on Monday at the Command Headquarters in Yola, while presenting the second quarter crime-fighting achievements of the Command.
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According to CP Morris, the successful rescue was the result of sustained intelligence-led operations coordinated by ACP Shuaibu Wara and executed by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping and Crack Squad, in collaboration with other tactical and intelligence units of the Command.
“During the period under review, we rescued thirteen (13) trafficked children who were stolen in Adamawa and sold to unsuspecting individuals in Anambra State,.
“These children were traced and recovered through diligent investigation. We are currently working to reunite them with their biological families,” he said.
He added that the operation also led to the arrest of key suspects involved in the child trafficking ring, notably Mrs. Ngozi Abdulwahab (43) of Jambutu, Yola North LGA, and Mrs. Uche Okoye (55) of Kabiku, Nnewi in Anambra State.
“These two women were responsible for multiple child-stealing and trafficking cases spanning Adamawa and other parts of the country. Investigations are ongoing, and all suspects will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
The Commissioner emphasized that the rescued children are in safe custody and will be released to their rightful parents after proper identification and verification processes are concluded.
He described the incident as a “disturbing reminder” of the ongoing threat posed by human trafficking and commended the public for providing vital information that enabled the police to crack the syndicate.
“This case reinforces our resolve to deal decisively with anyone involved in crimes against vulnerable members of our society, especially children. We call on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly,” CP Morris added.
The police also paraded a total of 567 suspects arrested in connection with various crimes including kidnapping, rape, armed robbery, drug peddling, and cult-related violence. Other notable arrests include members of the notorious “Shilla boys” gang and a suspected drug dealer responsible for a recent murder in Jimeta.
The Commissioner expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his unwavering support to the Command and praised the cooperation of Adamawa residents in providing actionable intelligence.
“Security is a shared responsibility. If you see something, say something,” CP Morris urged. “Together, we can ensure that Adamawa remains safe and secure for all.”
