The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 12 trafficked children and arrested two suspects in connection with an illegal orphanage discovered in Aba, Abia State, senior officials confirmed on Monday.

Police spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said police operatives acting on credible intelligence raided a residential apartment located along Ikot Ekpene Road, where an unregistered and illegal “motherless babies’ home” was being operated.

Officers found 12 children, aged between six months and 14 years, believed to have been trafficked from villages in the Arochukwu area, Adejobi disclosed.

According to Adejobi, operatives of the Abia State Police Command arrested two individuals, one Blessing Emebo ‘f’, 49 years and one Sunday Emebo’m’, 42 years, for operating an unregistered and illegal motherless babies’ home within their residential apartment located at Ikot Ekpene Road, Aba.

He added that the rescued children have been handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for proper care.

“The suspects are currently under interrogation and would be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigations,” Adejobi noted.

The force, however, urged members of the public to remain vigilant, avoid entrusting children to unfamiliar persons, and report any suspicious activity or individuals to the nearest police station.