The Police Command in Gombe State said it has arrested 16 suspects in a case of alleged child trafficking and criminal conspiracy and rescued three babies.
Mahid Abubakar, the States’ police spokesperson confirmed to journalists that members of the Barunde community reported the case to the command.
Abubakar noted that operatives stormed the location and discovered the suspects were operating a “baby factory”.
According to him, women are being kept at the factory to give birth and the newborns are sold to people in different parts of the country.
Moreover, Abubakar disclosed that the operatives rescued three of the babies, while two others have already been trafficked to Lagos and Anambra.
During investigation, the police discovered that one of the babies was sold to a resident of Gombe through a social welfare worker, for the sum of N400,000.
Abubakar also said the command also received the report that one parent sold her baby to the alleged traffickers, adding that there are also cases of rape of victims in the factory.
“This is a criminal conspiracy and child trafficking where one Khadija Manzo and 15 others were arrested following an intelligence report received from the Barunde community over the weekend.
“That sometime last year, one Khadija Manzo and 15 others were involved in selling babies to people in need.
“On receiving the report, detectives attached to Lowcost Division carried out an investigation which led to the arrest of Manzo, and other suspects.” He said.
The police spokesperson said during the investigation, it was revealed that Manzo had allegedly sold two babies to one Ukamaka Ugwu on different occasions.
“Investigation shows that the said Manzo reportedly sold a child for N400,000 to one Tina Raphael,” he added.
“And she gave N200,000 to one Haruna Abubakar, who works with social welfare, Gombe, under the guise of making a relevant certificate for proper handing over of the child.
“Yahaya Suleiman received the N200,000 from Manzo to give to Haruna Abubakar and he delivered the money.
“Ukamaka Ugwu bought two children and one is currently in Lagos and the other in Anambra, but the police are working to ensure the safe return of the babies.”
Mr. Abubakar, however, said that the apprehended suspects would soon be charged in court.
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