Police Bust Alleged Child Trafficking Syndicate, Rescue Newborn in Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has uncovered an alleged child trafficking syndicate and rescued a newborn baby boy reportedly sold without the consent of the child’s father in Akwa Ibom State.
The breakthrough, according to the Police, followed an intelligence-driven operation carried out on May 13, 2026, by operatives of the Command in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, three women were arrested over their alleged involvement in conspiracy, child trafficking and the unlawful sale of the newborn child.
The suspects were identified as Ekemini Godwin, 19, of Ikot Obioma Village; Endurance Sunday, 26, of Nkwot Ikono Village; and Alice Emmanuel, 50, also of Nkwot Ikono Village.
According to the Police, preliminary investigations revealed that the complainant, identified simply as Sifon, reported that his wife delivered a baby boy on May 7, 2026.
The Command alleged that shortly after the delivery, the suspects conspired and sold the baby to one Eno Peter of Ikpe Atai Village for the sum of N145,000 without the knowledge or consent of the child’s father.
The police said operatives swiftly swung into action after receiving the report, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the successful recovery of the baby boy.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime, while investigators expanded inquiries to uncover other persons linked to the alleged trafficking syndicate and possible illegal child adoption network operating within and outside the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain aggressive intelligence-led operations against child trafficking and other criminal activities in the state.
He warned individuals involved in child trafficking, cultism, armed robbery, drug trafficking and related crimes to desist or face the full weight of the law.
The Police Command also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring that all reports would be treated with strict confidentiality.
