The Imo State Police Command has successfully dismantled a suspected kidnapping and organ trafficking syndicate in the Douglass area of Imo State.
The operation led to the arrest of a 38-year-old suspect, Justine Emmanuel, from Amimo in Ikeduru Local Government Area, and the rescue of a 19-year-old woman, whose identity has been withheld for privacy concerns.
According to a statement from the Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, the arrest was made possible by the swift action of vigilant police operatives on a visibility patrol.
The officers observed the syndicate forcibly transporting the young girl in a blue and white bus to an undisclosed location with intentions to kill her and harvest her organs.
During the pursuit, the victim managed to jump from the moving bus, prompting immediate rescue efforts by the police. The officers engaged in a hot chase, leading to the abandonment of the vehicle by the suspects and the arrest of Emmanuel, while other members of the syndicate fled into nearby bushes.
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Okoye confirmed that investigations are underway to identify additional members of the criminal group and to assess the full extent of their operations. He emphasized that this successful rescue demonstrates the Imo State Police Command’s commitment to combatting violent crime and ensuring the safety of the community.
The Police Command urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, assuring that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
