Police rescue baby sold for N1.7 million in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a one-week-old baby reportedly sold for N1.7 million to a child trafficking syndicate. The rescue operation, carried out by detectives attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), followed an intelligence-led investigation that uncovered the illegal transaction.

According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the baby was sold by a woman who claimed to be the child’s mother to a suspected trafficker operating within the state. The police, acting on credible information, traced the buyer and recovered the infant safely. Both the seller and the buyer have been arrested and are currently assisting investigators with vital information.

Ikenga explained that preliminary findings revealed that the suspects were part of a wider child trafficking network involved in buying and selling newborns across the South-East. He said the command has launched a manhunt for other members of the group believed to be connected to similar cases of baby trafficking in recent months.

Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, commended the officers involved in the rescue operation, describing the act as a major breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking in the state. He assured that the suspects would be charged to court once investigations are completed.

The rescued baby is now under the care of the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare in Anambra, pending the conclusion of investigations. Authorities have urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies to help combat the growing menace of child trafficking.