Police Smash Child-Trafficking Syndicate in Ebonyi, Rescue Three Children

The Ebonyi State Police Command has announced the dismantling of an alleged child-trafficking syndicate operating across parts of the South-East, with three children rescued during investigations. The operation followed a complaint filed in May 2026 by a woman identified as Ngwe Ukamaka, who reported that her two children, including a five-month-old baby and an 11-year-old child, had been taken after she was allegedly deceived under the guise of meeting prospective in-laws in Awgu, Enugu State. Police said the suspects allegedly used the opportunity to separate her from her children.

According to the police, investigators later arrested four suspects — Agu Okechukwu, Ndidi Kenneth Nwanga, Ugonma Igwe and Alagba Chinyere — during an operation on August 14. The investigation reportedly uncovered another alleged scheme involving a woman who was deceived with a fake job offer in Enugu and travelled there with her two-year-old child. Police said the child was subsequently taken from her, but detectives traced the child and reunited the toddler with the family.

Further investigation reportedly led police operatives to Okigwe in Imo State, where Benedicta Umeh, also known as Nwanyi Okigwe, Obinna Nwankpa and Mmekadinma Oledibe were arrested. Police said a three-year-old child was recovered during the operation and that preliminary investigations indicated the child had allegedly been sold for ₦2.5 million. Additional suspects, including Favour Chukwu and Ugochukwu Nwankpa, were subsequently arrested as investigators expanded the probe into other alleged child-abduction cases.

The investigation also reportedly uncovered allegations involving two social welfare officers attached to Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State. Police arrested Ebere Anayo and Chinyere Nwakanma over allegations that they facilitated documentation connected to the unlawful fostering and transfer of children. On September 27, detectives reportedly travelled to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where they arrested Franca Omire and recovered the five-month-old baby allegedly abducted in May. Police said Omire claimed she had paid ₦2.5 million after being led to believe the transaction was a legitimate adoption arrangement.

The Ebonyi Police Command said investigations are continuing, with efforts underway to locate the 11-year-old child who remains missing. Commissioner of Police Hope Urunwa Okafor commended the officers involved and said the command would continue pursuing people allegedly connected to the trafficking network. Police also advised people seeking to adopt or foster children to use authorised government agencies and follow the required legal procedures rather than relying on informal intermediaries or questionable documentation.