Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Abia State Police Command has rescued two children and arrested three female suspects in connection with an alleged child stealing ring operating across state lines. The suspects were apprehended following an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters in collaboration with community vigilantes on May 10, 2026.
According to a statement released on Sunday, May 17, 2026, by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the breakthrough came when one Vera Imiobong Udoyang (30) was found in possession of two children. Upon interrogation, she confessed to stealing the children after luring them with donuts and soft drinks at Ozoaporo in Okrika, Rivers State, where she resides.
The three arrested suspects are identified as Vera Imiobong Udoyang (30), Chioma Duru Ukanwoke (40), and Ezinne Ukandu (41), all females from Akwa Ibom, Imo and Abia States respectively. Preliminary investigations revealed that Udoyang was allegedly recruited through a chain of contacts involving the other two suspects, with claims that an unidentified welfare officer, simply known as “Chioma,” who is currently at large, coordinated efforts to source male children for possible illegal adoption. The police statement indicated that Udoyang was earlier contacted by Ukanwoke, who in turn was contacted by Ukandu. Ukandu had allegedly been contacted by the said welfare officer Chioma to source for a male child aged about three years or arrange for adoption from any family willing to give out a child.
The three suspects are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect, Chioma. The rescued children have been safely reunited with their parents, and investigations are continuing at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). The Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, urged parents and guardians to be vigilant and ensure the safety of their children, warning them against accepting gifts or following strangers. He also advised members of the public to report any suspicious individuals seen with children to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines.
The case highlights the growing network of child trafficking syndicates that operate across state lines, often using female recruiters to gain the trust of children and their families. The use of donuts and soft drinks as lures is a common tactic employed by traffickers to lower the guard of unsuspecting children. The involvement of a “welfare officer” in coordinating the search for male children suggests that the syndicate may have links to illegal adoption networks, which have been known to operate in parts of the South‑East and South‑South regions.
The Abia State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to combating child trafficking and other violent crimes in the state. The successful rescue of the two children and the arrest of the three suspects are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks that prey on vulnerable members of society. The police have called on members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
This operation is one of several recent successes recorded by the Abia State Police Command in the fight against child trafficking. In recent months, the command has arrested multiple suspects and rescued several children from trafficking rings operating in Aba, Umuahia, and other parts of the state. The command has also intensified community engagement and intelligence gathering to prevent such crimes and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Commissioner of Police has assured the public that the command will continue to work tirelessly to protect children and other vulnerable persons from exploitation. He also reiterated the importance of community collaboration in identifying and reporting suspicious activities, noting that the recent successes were made possible by actionable intelligence from members of the public.
As the investigation continues, the three suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the inquiry. The police have also urged anyone with information about the fleeing suspect, Chioma, to come forward to assist in the ongoing manhunt. The rescued children, whose identities have been withheld to protect their privacy, are now back with their families, who have expressed gratitude to the police for their swift intervention.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that children face from traffickers who exploit their trust and innocence. It also underscores the importance of vigilance, community cooperation, and proactive policing in safeguarding the rights and welfare of children. The Abia State Police Command has vowed to sustain the momentum of its anti‑trafficking operations and to ensure that those who seek to profit from the misery of children face the full weight of the law.
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