The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Imo State has arrested a 52-year-old orphanage operator, Tochukwu Ogaranya, and rescued five pregnant women over alleged involvement in child trafficking.
The state commandant of the corps, Basil Igwebueze, disclosed this on Saturday while briefing journalists in Owerri about recent operations conducted by the command.
Igwebueze said the suspect, along with an alleged accomplice, Godwin Nnamdi, 47, was arrested at an orphanage located in the World Bank area of the state capital, where authorities suspect illegal activities were taking place.
According to him, the operation followed an incident on March 14 when an officer observed a pregnant teenager attempting to escape from the facility, prompting security operatives to move into the location.
“After our personnel observed a pregnant teenager running out of the orphanage, they immediately moved in, arrested the proprietor and took the pregnant women and the newborn babies into protective custody,” he said.
The commandant described child trafficking as a serious offence and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
“Crimes like this can only be uncovered when residents cooperate with security agencies. We encourage the public to always speak up whenever they observe anything unusual,” Igwebueze added.
Responding to the allegation, Ogaranya denied involvement in child trafficking and insisted that the orphanage was properly registered.
However, the NSCDC commandant said the suspects would be arraigned in court after investigations are concluded.
