Abia Police Arrest Three Women Over Alleged Child Theft, Rescue Two Children
The Nigeria Police Force in Abia State has arrested three female suspects over alleged child stealing and rescued two children during a coordinated operation carried out in the Akwete area of the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, Maureen Chioma Chinaka.
According to the statement, the suspects were arrested on May 10, 2026, following actionable intelligence gathered by operatives of the Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters in collaboration with local vigilantes.
The police identified the suspects as Vera Imiobong Udoyang, aged 30; Chioma Duru Ukanwoke, aged 40; and Ezinne Ukandu, aged 41.
Police investigations revealed that Vera Imiobong Udoyang was allegedly found with the two children in Abia State and later confessed to luring them with donuts and soft drinks before taking them from Ozoaporo in Okrika, where she reportedly resides.
The command said preliminary investigations uncovered an alleged child trafficking network involving the three suspects and another woman identified only as “Chioma,” described as a welfare officer who is currently at large.
According to the police, the fleeing suspect allegedly coordinated efforts to source male children for illegal adoption purposes.
The statement explained that Vera was allegedly contacted by Chioma Duru Ukanwoke, who was in turn linked to Ezinne Ukandu, while the unidentified welfare officer reportedly requested the sourcing of a male child around three years old.
Police authorities confirmed that the three suspects remain in custody while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect.
The rescued children have since been reunited with their parents, while investigations continue at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Danladi Isa, urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children.
He warned families against allowing children to accept gifts from strangers or follow unfamiliar individuals and encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious persons seen with children to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
Abia Police Arrest Three Women Over Alleged Child Theft, Rescue Two Children