Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have successfully rescued a two-year-old child who was abducted in Warri, and also prevented the lynching of a suspect. The command's spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
The suspect, identified as Fejiro Obaduemu, was intercepted by vigilant residents while carrying the child concealed inside a sack bag. As a mob attacked the suspect, operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS) swiftly responded to the scene, rescuing both the suspect and the child.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), detectives successfully traced the child's parents and formally reunited the victim with the family in the presence of leaders of the Hausa community in Warri. Edafe revealed that the suspect, who sustained injuries from the mob attack, confessed to being sent by an unidentified suspect in Warri to steal the child.
Intensified Efforts Against Child Trafficking
The Delta State Police Command has intensified efforts against child trafficking and related crimes across the state. This has led to the rescue of abducted children, recovery of infants, and arrest of suspects in separate operations carried out in Warri and Effurun. The command has also commenced comprehensive investigations aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in child stealing and illegal child trafficking activities.
Details of the Rescue Operation
On May 10, 2026, at about 0915 hours, operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), Warri, successfully rescued a two-year-old child suspected to have been abducted and prevented the lynching of a suspect at Igbudu Market, Warri. The suspect, Fejiro Obaduemu, aged 29, of Idesor Street, Isi Layout, Warri, was intercepted by vigilant residents while carrying the child concealed inside a sack bag, thereby raising suspicion of child stealing.
Before the suspect could be mobbed, operatives of the QRS swiftly responded to the scene, rescued both the suspect and the child, and evacuated them to safety. The suspect, who sustained injuries from the mob attack, was taken to the Police Clinic, Warri, for medical attention and subsequently taken into custody for investigation.
Reunification and Investigation
Further investigation conducted on May 11, 2026, led to the successful tracing of the child's parents, and the child was formally reunited with the family in the presence of leaders of the Hausa community in Warri. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly confessed to being sent by an unidentified suspect in Warri to steal the child. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the said accomplice and unravel the wider network connected to the crime.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, psc, acipm, mnips, assures residents that the Command remains committed to protecting children and combating all forms of human trafficking and related crimes. He urges members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving children to the nearest police station or through the Command's emergency lines: 08036684974.
