Police Arrest Four Over Alleged Child Trafficking, Rescue Six Minors In Taraba

The Taraba State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four suspects over an alleged child trafficking syndicate and the rescue of six minors in Wukari and Bali Local Government Areas of the state.

Sources said the suspects were apprehended on Feb. 5 at about 5:32 p.m. by troops of the Nigerian Army at the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Wukari, and subsequently handed over to the police for investigation.

Those arrested were identified as Danjuma Jako Ibrahim, 50, of Jauro Gwailgi in Ardo Kola LGA; Anthonia Nweke, 54, from Ifite-Ogwari village in Ayamelum LGA of Anambra State; and two residents of Wukari – Helen Christopher, 45, and Chinenye Uche, 38.

Police said the suspects were intercepted while allegedly making arrangements to traffic three children to Anambra State. The victims were identified as Yakubu Obadiah, 9, from Hayen Fada village in Ardo Kola LGA; Omega (surname unknown), 7, from Kwalbati village in Bali LGA; and a five-month-old baby girl, Mahindi Christopher.

During investigation, the suspects reportedly confessed to conspiring to traffic the children and led security operatives to the recovery of two additional minors – Shawuya Tiriri, 8, from Sunna village in Bali LGA, and Monday Ezekiel, 12, from Garba-Chede in Bali LGA.

Preliminary findings also revealed that in August 2025, Anthonia Nweke allegedly paid N1.1 million through Chinenye Uche to facilitate the trafficking of other children to Anambra State.

The police said the rescued children had been taken into protective custody, while the suspects would be charged to court after the completion of preliminary investigations.

The command reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable children and urged residents to report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest security agency.