Police arrest suspected child trafficker, rescue six abducted children in Abia

The Abia State Police Command has arrested a suspected child trafficker, Nnamdi Lazarus, 51, and rescued six abducted children. 

The spokesperson for the command, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, August 6, 2026 

According to the PPRO, the rescued children have been safely reunited with their families, while investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the child trafficking syndicate.

“Acting on credible and actionable intelligence, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Aba North, apprehended one Nnamdis Lazarus, a 51-year-old male from Mbano in Imo State, currently residing in Uratta Aba, Abia State,” the statement read.

“The suspect was found harbouring and keeping the following children: Nnenna Ogbuogu (5 years) and Nwanne Ogbuogu (3 years), both from Abriba, Abia State, Amanda Iheke Emmanuella, female, 3 years, Destiny Iheke Emmanuel (7 years) and Anointing Iheke Emmanuel (5 years), from Item, Abia State, Ihechi Obasi (7 years), also from Item, Abia State.

“All six rescued children have been safely reunited with their families. 

“Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the child trafficking syndicate. The suspect will be charged to court upon  conclusion of investigations.

“The Abia State Police Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property through intelligence-led policing. 

“The Command assures residents that there will be no hiding place for criminal elements within the State.

“Abians, as partners in crime prevention, are encouraged to support the Police by providing timely and useful information on security concerns to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s Emergency Hotlines: 08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210005, 08079210006.”