THE Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspected child trafficker and the rescue of 11 children in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, in what security experts described as a major breakthrough against human trafficking in the region.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Edet, who confirmed the incident to News Point Nigeria on Monday, said the suspect is currently in custody while investigations have begun.
“Yes, the police are aware of the incident. The suspect is in custody while an investigation is ongoing,” DSP Edet said in a brief telephone interview.
The development was first disclosed by counter-insurgency and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, who posted details of the case on his X handle. According to him, a woman identified as Priscilia Mhiive Terhemen of Mbachir, Katsina-Ala, allegedly trafficked 11 children to Benin City, Edo State.
Quoting security sources, Makama revealed that the victims were rescued in Edo State with the help of Benue indigenes living in the area before being safely returned to Katsina-Ala.
The rescued victims have been identified as:
Iwuese Terkimbi (5)
Sulma Terhemen (7)
Sechiur Orsuyi (8)
Sunday Mlumum (20)
Nguveren Sunday (15)
Doose Mwaave (12)
Ternenge Wuave (11)
Mnena Terhemen (16)
Aondonengen Terkimbir (12)
Nensha Terhemen (10)
Saakuma Terhemen (13).
Police sources said the children have already been profiled, while the suspect remains in custody.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further probe to unravel the network and possible accomplices behind the crime.
The incident underscores the growing concerns about human trafficking in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where vulnerable children are often lured or coerced under false promises of education, jobs, or better opportunities.
This latest rescue comes barely two weeks after the Enugu State Police Command arrested 30-year-old Raymond Wonna for his alleged involvement in transnational human trafficking. Two victims, Miracle Ogar (18) and Angela Kingsley (16), both from Cross River State, were rescued while being trafficked to Ghana under the guise of job opportunities.
Security stakeholders have commended the swift action of the Benue police and the vigilance of local residents in Edo State who assisted in rescuing the victims, urging more coordinated efforts between states to combat trafficking rings.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Command assured that further updates on the case would be made public as investigations continue, promising that justice will be served and the rescued children will be rehabilitated and reunited with their families.