The Ebonyi State Police Command has successfully dismantled a suspected child-trafficking syndicate operating across multiple states in Nigeria, including Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers. According to a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Joshua Ukandu, the breakthrough came after months of investigation into cases of child abduction and unlawful transfer of children to prospective adopters. The operation resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of three abducted children.
The police received a complaint in May 2026 from Mrs. Ngwe Ukamaka, who reported that her two children, a five-month-old boy and an 11-year-old girl, were abducted after she was deceived under the guise of marriage. The woman was taken to Awgu, Enugu state, to meet her purported in-laws, where she was asked to go and do her hair, while her children were allegedly taken away. This case sparked an investigation that ultimately led to the arrest of the suspects.
On August 14, 2026, operatives arrested four suspects identified as Agu Okechukwu, Ndidi Kenneth Nwanga, Ugonma Igwe, and Alagba Chinyere, following a separate attempt to abduct a child. One of the suspects, Agu, allegedly lured Mrs. Oluchi Onah to Enugu under the guise of securing employment for her, before separating her from her two-year-old child. The police were able to recover the child and reunite her with her family.
Further investigation led to the recovery of a three-year-old child, who had allegedly been sold by Nwanyi Okigwe to Mmekadinma for N2.5 million. The police command stated that preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were involved in a larger child-trafficking syndicate. The Ebonyi State Police Command has assured the public that it will continue to work tirelessly to combat child trafficking and other forms of crime.
The Ebonyi State Police Command's efforts to combat child trafficking have been commended by various stakeholders. The police have urged the public to provide information that could lead to the arrest of other suspects involved in child trafficking. The command has also assured that it will work with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that those involved in child trafficking are brought to justice.
Child trafficking is a serious crime that can have devastating effects on families and communities. The Ebonyi State Police Command's success in smashing the child-trafficking syndicate is a significant step towards reducing the incidence of child trafficking in the state. The police have encouraged parents and guardians to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The Ebonyi State Police Command has not disclosed the identities of the recovered children to protect their privacy. However, it has confirmed that the children are safe and are receiving necessary care and support. The command has also stated that it will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the suspects do not escape justice.
Key points
- Ebonyi State Police Command arrests suspects and recovers three abducted children in child-trafficking operation.
- The suspects were involved in a larger child-trafficking syndicate operating across multiple states.
- The police command has assured the public that it will continue to work tirelessly to combat child trafficking.
