Police operatives attached to the Ogidi Area Command in Anambra State have arrested a 32-year-old man, Joshua Simeon, while attempting to escape with a five-year-old stolen child.
According to the Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the arrest, which took place on February 1 at 4 p.m. at Nkpor Central Park in Idemili North Local Government Area, was made possible through credible information from local residents.
“The team also recovered a five-year-old girl, Nkemdilim Jacob, who was allegedly taken away by the suspect from her parents living in Umuota Village, Obosi, Idemili North LGA,” Ikenga stated.
Simeon had already boarded a commercial vehicle and was en route to an undisclosed location when he was apprehended by the police. He is currently in custody, undergoing interrogation to determine his motives and whether he is connected to a larger child trafficking network.
Meanwhile, authorities are making efforts to locate and reunite the rescued child with her parents.
“The Command is committed to protecting vulnerable members of society, combating child abduction and trafficking, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in the state,” Ikenga assured.
The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help curb child abduction and related crimes.
