Police Smash Child-Stealing Ring in Multi-State Operation
The Anambra State Police Command has successfully rescued a three-year-old boy who was stolen from his mother in Nkpor Uno and arrested six suspects linked to a child-stealing and trafficking syndicate. The syndicate was reportedly operating across Anambra, Enugu, and Lagos States.
How the Child Was Stolen and Recovered
According to a statement from the Command's Spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the incident began on September 4. The victim's daughter had left her son in the care of a man named Samuel Ibe at Umusiome, Nkpor Uno, while she briefly visited her shop. Upon her return, both the child and Samuel Ibe were missing.
A petition from the victim prompted operatives attached to the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka to commence an immediate investigation. Their swift action led to the arrest of Samuel Ibe. His confessional statement then led to the subsequent arrest of his mother, Agatha Ejeweh (35 years), and his younger brother, Ejeweh Chigozie Chidera (15 years).
The investigation expanded to Enugu State, where Angela Eze (30 years) was apprehended for collaborating with one Juliet Onah to facilitate the transfer of the stolen child to Lagos. Acting on credible intelligence, the police team proceeded to Lagos State, where another suspect, China Cosmas, was arrested and the child was successfully rescued.
The rescued child has since been reunited with his family in good health. All suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
A Pattern of Success in Rescuing Missing Children
This recent success echoes a similar achievement by the Anambra Police last month. In that case, the police concluded a nine-month investigation to rescue two children, Sunday Aliya (14) and Ebenezer Emmanuel (12), who went missing in January 2025.
The children were first reported missing on January 18, 2025, at the Fegge Police Station after they were sent to fetch water from a nearby borehole and did not return. The case was transferred to the SCID in Awka for further investigation.
Through intelligence-led operations, operatives traced and arrested a suspect identified as Yusuf in Katsina State. His interrogation led to the recovery of Sunday Aliya in Umunede, Delta State, and Ebenezer Emmanuel in Benin City, Edo State.
Police Vow to Make Anambra Unsafe for Criminals
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for their diligence. He reiterated the command's unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.
The police have issued a stern warning to criminal elements, declaring that Anambra State remains an unsafe environment for any form of criminal enterprise. The command also appreciated the cooperation of residents and urged the public to continue supporting the police with useful information to aid in combating crime.
