The Ebonyi State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has busted an alleged child traff!cking syndicate, arrested several suspects and rescued three children allegedly abducted and unlawfully handed over to prospective adopters.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Josh Ukandu , said the breakthrough followed investigations into a syndicate allegedly involved in the abduction and trafficking of children across Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers states.
Ukandu said the Command received a report in May 2026 from Mrs. Ngwe Ukamaka, who alleged that her two children, a five-month-old boy and an 11-year-old girl, were abducted after she was deceived by persons who allegedly lured her under the guise of marriage.
According to him, the complainant was taken to Awgu, Enugu State, to meet her purported in-laws. While she was asked to go and make her hair, her children were allegedly taken away.
“While investigation into the case was ongoing, operatives of the Command, on August 14, 2026, arrested four suspects, namely Agu Okechukwu, Ndidi Kenneth Nwanga, Ugonma Igwe and Alagba Chinyere,” Ukandu said.
He said the suspects were allegedly involved in another scheme in which Mrs. Oluchi Onah was deceived into believing that she was being taken to Enugu for employment.
According to him, Onah travelled to Enugu with her two-year-old child, but her child was allegedly taken from her after she was directed to go and have her hair done.
Ukandu said Agu subsequently abandoned Onah and allegedly met Ndidi, with whom he was said to have finalised the handover of the child to another woman.
He added that on August 12, Agu allegedly approached another woman with the intention of abducting her child, but she became suspicious and alerted the police, leading to his arrest and the subsequent apprehension of his alleged accomplices.
“Following the arrest of the suspects, discreet and painstaking investigation led operatives to trace and recover Mrs. Oluchi Onah’s child, who has since been reunited with the family,” he said.
He said information provided by the suspects led police operatives to Okigwe, Imo State, where Mrs. Benedicta Umeh, also known as Nwanyi Okigwe, Obinna Nwankpa and Mmekadinma Oledibe were arrested.
“During the operation, a three-year-old child, who preliminary investigation indicated had allegedly been sold by Nwanyi Okigwe to Mmekadinma for the sum of ₦2.5 million, was recovered,” Ukandu said.
He said the arrests also led investigators to one Favour Chukwu, who allegedly provided information concerning the first complainant and her children, as well as another alleged child abduction in Isu Community, Onicha Local Government Area.
According to the police, preliminary investigation showed that Nwankpa and Chukwu allegedly took a child from Enugu and presented themselves as the child’s parents before social welfare officials.
“During interrogation, the suspects claimed that the child belonged to a mentally challenged woman in Enugu. They further said that sleeping pills were put in the woman’s food, after which the child was taken while she was asleep around the Holy Ghost area in Enugu,” Ukandu said.
The police spokesperson also disclosed that two suspected accomplices, Ebere Anayo and Chinyere Nwakanma, both social welfare officers in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State, were arrested.
He said preliminary investigation indicated that the duo allegedly facilitated the handing over of children to persons seeking to adopt or foster them.
Ukandu said further investigation on September 27 led police operatives to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where one Franca Omire was arrested and a baby boy allegedly abducted in May was recovered.
According to him, Omire told investigators that Benedicta Umeh, also known as Nwanyi Okigwe, claimed to operate an orphanage and work with the welfare office in Obowo Local Government Area.
“She further stated that in July 2026, she paid the sum of ₦2.5 million and was subsequently given a document purportedly indicating that she had legally adopted the child.
