Police in Ebonyi State say they have arrested suspected members of a child-trafficking syndicate and rescued three children allegedly taken from their mothers.
The command said the case began after Ngwe Ukamaka reported in May 2026 that her five-month-old son and 11-year-old daughter had been abducted by people who allegedly deceived her under the guise of marriage.
Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu said the investigation led operatives to four suspects arrested on August 14. They were named as Agu Okechukwu, Ndidi Kenneth Nwanga, Ugonma Igwe and Alagba Chinyere.
The command also said another woman, Oluchi Onah, was deceived with a job promise and travelled to Enugu with her two-year-old child, who was allegedly taken from her. Ukandu said the rescued children had been unlawfully handed over to people seeking adoption or foster care.
Two suspected accomplices, Ebere Anayo and Chinyere Nwakanma, identified in the reports as social welfare officers in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State, were also arrested. The police said preliminary findings indicated that they allegedly helped facilitate the handover of children to prospective adopters.
Police said efforts were continuing to locate the 11-year-old girl allegedly abducted in May.
The command urged members of the public who want to adopt or foster children to use authorised government ministries and legal channels.
Sources: Vanguard, Channels Television
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