The police command in Anambra State said it arrested seven suspects for allegedly stealing a three-year-old boy in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Awka.
According to him, the command rescued a three-year-old boy, earlier reported missing in the state and arrested six persons for child theft.
He alleged that the suspects were members of child trafficking syndicate operating in Anambra, Enugu and Lagos states.
Mr Ikenga said that on September 4, following a petition from the family of the victim, operatives attached to the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Awka, commenced an investigation into the case.
He said that the petition detailed how the complainant’s daughter left her three-year-old son in the care of a neighbour in Umusiome, Nkpor Uno in the Idemili North Local Government of the state.
The police spokesman said that on her return, both the child and her neighbour were missing.
According to him, a swift investigation by the operatives led to the arrest of the neighbour.
He said that the confessional statement of her neighbour subsequently led to the arrest of the neighbour’s mother and two of his younger brothers.
Mr Ikenga explained that the operatives extended their investigation to Enugu, where two other persons were arrested for facilitating the movement of the stolen child to Lagos State.
According to Mr Ikenga, the operatives proceeded to Lagos State, where one suspect was arrested and the stolen child was successfully rescued.
He said that the child had since been reunited with his family in good health.
He stated, “All the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.’’
The police spokesman quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, as reiterating the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.
Mr Orutugu warned criminals to keep off the state, as the police would do everything possible to bring them to book.
(NAN)