Sold For 30K: Vigilant Passenger Helps Police Rescue One-Month-Old Baby from Traffickers in Anambra

 

Anambra State Police Command has apprehended a couple for trafficking a one-month-old baby, who was smuggled into the state from Lagos. The arrest, which took place at the Bridgehead area of Onitsha followed a crucial tip-off from a concerned co-passenger.

Authorities say the couple, whose identities are yet to be officially disclosed, were intercepted while traveling aboard a luxury bus operated by a well-known transport company. Their suspicious behavior caught the attention of a fellow passenger during the journey. What ultimately triggered concern was the inability of the supposed mother to breastfeed the crying infant, raising doubts about her relationship with the child.

DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, confirmed the incident in an official press release. According to him, the alert passenger placed a distress call to the police control room in Awka, sparking immediate coordination with officers stationed at Bridgehead. Law enforcement officers promptly laid an ambush for the bus and successfully intercepted it later that evening.

The couple was immediately identified, and upon being questioned, reportedly confessed to buying the baby from its biological mother in the Ajah area of Lagos for a sum of N30,000. Their disturbing admission shed light on the dark underbelly of child trafficking still festering in parts of Nigeria.

Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, lauded the prompt action taken by the civilian informant, describing the person as a “public-spirited citizen.” He emphasized the importance of community involvement in fighting crimes, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals like children. The commissioner added that the couple has been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to face further investigation and likely prosecution.

Meanwhile, the rescued infant is now under the care of the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs. The state government has assured that all necessary welfare provisions will be made to ensure the child's safety and well-being pending further investigations.

Child trafficking remains a deeply rooted societal issue, often driven by poverty, ignorance, and the collapse of family support systems. While numerous campaigns have attempted to curb the menace, cases like this continue to surface, exposing gaps in societal vigilance and law enforcement.

This particular rescue highlights how everyday citizens can play pivotal roles in preventing heinous crimes. The quick thinking of the passenger, combined with the swift response by law enforcement, potentially saved the child from a future marked by uncertainty, exploitation, or worse.

Concerns are now being raised about how such a transaction could occur with such minimal oversight. Selling a child for the price of N30,000—less than the cost of a mid-range smartphone—underscores the urgent need for tighter surveillance, community education, and stricter penalties for offenders.

Authorities have reiterated their call for citizens to report any suspicious activities related to child welfare. The Anambra State Police Control Room remains operational around the clock, serving as a lifeline in situations requiring immediate attention.

As investigations continue, many are hopeful that justice will be served swiftly and that this case will serve as a deterrent to others involved in the trafficking of innocent children. The collaboration between the public and police in this instance stands as a powerful testament to the impact of communal responsibility in safeguarding human rights.