In a bold move to tackle crime, the Imo State Police Command has dismantled a suspected kidnapping and organ trafficking syndicate, arresting one suspect and rescuing a 19-year-old girl.
The successful operation took place on October 10, 2024, at Douglas area in Owerri Municipal Council of Imo State.
ASP Okoye Henry, Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed the arrest, on Saturday, explained that the kidnappers were intercepted while transporting the abducted girl to an undisclosed location in their vehicle.
He said: “The arrest followed the swift response of vigilant operatives on visibility patrol, who observed the syndicate in a blue and white bus forcefully taking the young girl to an undisclosed location where they intended to kill her and harvest her organs.”
The police engaged in a hot pursuit, leading to the abandonment of the vehicle and the arrest of 38-year-old Justine Emmanuel, while others escaped into the nearby bush.
In another breakthrough, operatives of the Owerri Urban Area Command arrested one Mrs. Blessing Emmanuel, a secondary school teacher, for allegedly dehumanizing her 12-year-old stepdaughter, Amarachi Emmanuel.
The arrest occurred on Tuesday after a complaint was filed by Owerri-based activist journalist Chidiebube Okeoma.
Okoye urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
“The Imo State Police Command is committed to combating violent crime and ensuring community safety,” he said.