The Rivers State Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking syndicate operating from Aba, Abia State, rescuing a 24-year-old pregnant woman, Regina Sunday, during a tactical operation.
According to the command, two suspects — Sunshine Hart (female, 28) and Kingsley Ekocha (male, 38) — were arrested in connection with the syndicate, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others who are currently at large.
The operation was the outcome of discreet intelligence gathering and was led by operatives of the command’s tactical unit.
Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, made the development public in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Monday.
“The Rivers State Police Command has made significant strides in combating human trafficking, a scourge that has plagued our society.
“Following diligent investigation and intelligence gathering, operatives of the command successfully apprehended two notorious suspects linked to a child trafficking syndicate that is under investigation.
“On June 24, 2025, detectives extended their investigation to Aba, Abia State, where they arrested two suspects namely: Sunshine Hart, (female) aged 28, and Kingsley Ekocha (male) aged 38.
“During the operation, a pregnant woman, Regina Sunday, aged 24, was rescued from the clutches of the traffickers and is currently in protective custody.
“As fate would have it, Regina Sunday went into labour on June 30, 2025, and was promptly rushed to the Police Clinic in Port Harcourt, where she was safely delivered of a baby boy.
“Both mother and child are receiving medical attention and are in stable condition.”
Iringe-Koko said the investigation is still ongoing, with efforts now concentrated on locating and apprehending other members of the criminal syndicate.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has reiterated that the command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the public and upholding the rule of law.
Adepoju called for continued public support by reporting suspicious human trafficking activities and providing useful information that could aid police investigations aimed at eradicating the menace of child trafficking and related crimes.
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