The Abia State Police Command has rescued six abducted children and arrested a suspected child trafficker in a major breakthrough against child trafficking and related crimes in the state.
The Command disclosed this in a press statement issued on Thursday, August 6, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, and made available to ABN TV.
According to the statement, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Aba North, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, apprehended Nnamdi Lazarus, a 51-year-old man from Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, who resides in Uratta, Aba, Abia State.
The Police said the suspect was found harbouring six children believed to have been abducted from different parts of Abia State.
The rescued children were identified as Nnenna Ogbuogu (5) and Nwanne Ogbuogu (3), both from Abriba in Ohafia Local Government Area; Amanda Iheke Emmanuella (3), Destiny Iheke Emmanuel (7), and Anointing Iheke Emmanuel (5), all from Item in Bende Local Government Area; and Ihechi Obasi (7), also from Item, Abia State.
The Command confirmed that all six children have been safely reunited with their respective families following the successful operation.
Police authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the suspected child trafficking syndicate believed to be connected with the case.
The Command added that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society, the Abia State Police Command said it would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing strategies to combat child trafficking, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across the state.
The Police also assured residents that there would be no safe haven for criminal elements in Abia and urged members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist in preventing crime.
Residents were encouraged to report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines.
The Command reiterated its appeal to the public to remain vigilant, stressing that effective policing requires the active cooperation of citizens.
“Together, we keep Abia safe. See something, say something,” the statement concluded.
