In a successful operation on Tuesday, May 30, the Rivers State Police Command rescued six pregnant young women from an illegal child trafficking center located in the Aliu area of the state.
The women, aged between 20 and 23 years, were reportedly being held captive by a syndicate that had intentions to sell their babies once they were born.
Akudo Azoroh, the owner of the illegal center, was apprehended along with an accomplice, according to a statement released by the police.
The syndicate had been operating the center clandestinely, exploiting vulnerable pregnant women for their own profit.
Azoroh claimed that she facilitated adoptions for families without children and denied any involvement with ritual practices.
The young women came to her center already pregnant, seeking monetary compensation ranging from N800,000 to N900,000, depending on the state of their pregnancy and the gender of the baby.
The babies were given only to families who were unable to conceive on their own, and the amount paid for the baby depended on the baby's gender, while the mothers received compensation based on the stage of their pregnancy at the time they arrived at the center.
During interviews with some of the rescued women, it was revealed that they had willingly gone to the center while pregnant and intended to give up their children for adoption due to their inability to support them financially.
The Rivers State Police Command deserves commendation for their swift action in rescuing these young women and uncovering the illegal child trafficking operation.
Investigations are currently ongoing to apprehend all individuals involved in the syndicate and bring them to justice.
