Police in Anambra State have arrested a woman from Imo State with her newborn baby, preventing a suspected attempt to trade the infant for favours. The operation took place in Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area, following a tipoff from a concerned citizen.
Tipoff Leads to Rescue
Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in Anambra and a superintendent of police, disclosed the incident in a statement on Sunday in Awka. He said officers acted on intelligence from a member of the public, leading them to a location in Igbariam where the young mother and her baby were found.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman had concealed both her pregnancy and delivery from her parents. She had left her family home in Imo and sought refuge with a friend in Igbariam, where the trafficking plan was allegedly hatched.
Family Reunited
“The police promptly secured both the mother and her infant daughter and facilitated their reunion with family members to ensure proper care, protection and support,” Ikenga said. Officers immediately contacted the woman’s parents, who responded without delay. After their arrival, the mother and baby were reunited with the family to guarantee adequate care, supervision, and emotional support, while investigations continue.
Ikenga stated that the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, commended the vigilance of the informant and other members of the public whose timely tipoff contributed to the successful intervention.
Commitment to Child Protection
Orutugu reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and neglect. He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue partnering with law enforcement by promptly reporting suspicious activities.
The command assured the public that investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that any individual found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.
