Anambra Police Raid Exposes Shocking Baby Sale Syndicate, Rescues One-Week-Old Girl From Traffickers

 

A major child trafficking ring operating in Anambra State has been uncovered by the Anambra State Police Command. The command confirmed the successful operation that led to the arrest of four female suspects believed to be key members of the network, as well as the rescue of a newborn baby allegedly sold for ₦1.7 million.

The revelation came through a statement issued in Awka by the state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Tuesday. According to the police, the breakthrough followed credible intelligence received by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, which prompted a swift raid at a facility known as Mama Maternity located in Ifite-Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area.

SP Ikenga explained that the police team, acting on the intelligence, stormed the premises during the early hours of Tuesday. Their timely intervention led to the discovery of a disturbing case of child trafficking involving a one-week-old baby girl. The operatives immediately took action to rescue the infant and apprehend four women believed to be part of the syndicate.

The suspects were identified as 62-year-old Elizabeth Okafor, 48-year-old Esther Nweke, 45-year-old Ngozi Maanfa, and 25-year-old Peace Elijah Moses. Preliminary investigations revealed that the women conspired to purchase the newborn baby for a total of ₦1.7 million. Reports indicated that an advance payment of ₦350,000 had already been made to the child’s biological mother, identified as Peace Elijah Moses, who is among those arrested.

According to the police, the suspects are part of a wider network that deals in the illegal buying and selling of infants within and beyond the state. The facility used as their operational base was disguised as a maternity home, serving as a cover for their illicit transactions. The police described the syndicate’s operation as a calculated attempt to exploit vulnerable mothers and profit from illegal adoptions.

SP Ikenga assured that the rescued baby has been taken into protective custody and is receiving proper care under the supervision of the authorities. He further noted that the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Gender Unit, for a detailed investigation and subsequent prosecution of all those found culpable.

The police spokesperson quoted CP Orutugu as reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting children and combating every form of human trafficking across Anambra State. He emphasized that the Command would continue to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in child trafficking, illegal adoption, and related offenses.

CP Orutugu also called on residents of the state to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around maternity homes, orphanages, or individuals involved in questionable child adoption processes. He urged communities to support law enforcement agencies by providing useful information that could help expose traffickers and prevent the exploitation of innocent children.

The statement from the Command highlighted that the rescue of the one-week-old baby underscores the importance of community collaboration in tackling crimes that target vulnerable groups. The police noted that such operations are part of ongoing statewide measures to curb child trafficking and illegal adoption practices, which have been identified as rising threats in parts of southeastern Nigeria.

Reports of similar arrests and discoveries in the region have continued to raise concern about the growing network of traffickers exploiting young mothers, often under the guise of helping them. Many of these victims are believed to be lured by promises of financial support or persuaded into selling their babies due to difficult economic circumstances. The Anambra Police Command stated that it remains determined to break these criminal cycles and ensure offenders face justice.

Residents have expressed relief following the bust, praising the police for their quick response and decisive action. Advocacy groups working against human trafficking have also commended the Command’s efforts, urging authorities to strengthen surveillance around maternity centers and improve public awareness on the legal adoption process.

The rescued infant, now in safe custody, symbolizes a critical victory in the fight against child trafficking in Anambra. The authorities have assured the public that further updates on the investigation and prosecution of the suspects will be communicated in due course.

The police concluded by reiterating their commitment to upholding the rights and safety of every child in Anambra State. The successful operation not only exposed a dangerous trafficking ring but also sent a strong message to other syndicates that the era of exploiting children for profit is coming to an end.