Ebonyi police say child-trafficking network dismantled, three children rescued

The Ebonyi State Police Command says it has dismantled an alleged child-trafficking network, arrested several suspects and rescued three children transferred through purported adoption arrangements. The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, announced the operation in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Thursday. He said the investigation began after Ngwe Ukamaka reported in May 2026 that her five-month-old baby and 11-year-old child had been taken.

According to the police, the suspects lured Ukamaka to Awgu in Enugu State under the pretence of introducing her to prospective in-laws. She was allegedly sent to a salon, allowing the suspects to leave with her children. Police said detectives later arrested Agu Okechukwu, Ndidi Kenneth Nwanga, Ugonma Igwe and Alagba Chinyere after investigating a similar case involving Oluchi Onah.

Onah was allegedly deceived with a fake job offer, while her two-year-old child was taken after she was directed to a salon. The police said the child was later traced and reunited with the family. Investigators also travelled to Okigwe in Imo State, where they arrested Benedicta Umeh, Obinna Nwankpa and Mmekadinma Oledibe and recovered a three-year-old child.

Police alleged that the child had been sold for N2.5 million. Further arrests included Favour Chukwu and Ugochukwu Nwankpa, who police said were linked to other abductions. The command also arrested two social welfare officers, Ebere Anayo and Chinyere Nwakanma, over alleged assistance with fraudulent documentation.

Police later arrested Franca Omire in Port Harcourt and recovered Ukamaka’s five-month-old son. The command said efforts were continuing to locate the missing 11-year-old child. Commissioner of Police Hope Urunwa Okafor warned that those involved would face the law and urged prospective adopters to use authorised government channels.