The Imo state police command says its operatives have dismantled a suspected kidnapping and organ trafficking syndicate operating in the Douglass area of the state.
In a statement on Friday, Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson for the state, said one suspect, Justine Emmanuel, from Amimo in Ikeduru LGA, was arrested.
Okoye said a 19-year-old woman, whose name has been withheld for privacy reasons, was rescued.
“The arrest followed the swift response of vigilant operatives on visibility patrol, who observed the syndicate in a blue and white bus forcefully taking the young girl to an undisclosed location where they intended to kill her and harvest her organs,” he said.
“During the chase, the victim managed to jump from the bus and was immediately rescued. The police pursued the vehicle, which was abandoned, and arrested one suspect while the others escaped into the nearby bush.
“The Command is now investigating further to identify other members of the syndicate and determine the full extent of their criminal activities.”
This rescue, Okoye noted, highlights the command’s commitment to tackling violent crime and ensuring the safety of the community.
He urged the residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities.
