- The operation led to the rescue of 14 children, including infants, from various hideouts
Detectives from the Ondo State Police Command have arrested a three-member syndicate allegedly specialising in child theft and trafficking.
Among the suspects are a couple, Lukman Isiaka and Abosede Olanipekun, and a 65-year-old woman, Sabira Izuorah.
The trio was apprehended during a police operation in Edo and Anambra states, following reports of missing children.
Commissioner of Police Wilfred Afolabi disclosed that the suspects had been involved in trafficking children for years, selling them for amounts between ₦500,000 and ₦1 million each.
The operation led to the rescue of 14 children, including infants, from various hideouts. Among those recovered were Baby Favour (3 weeks old), Baby Chidera (2 weeks old), and Baby Uzoma (1 week old).
According to police, the syndicate lured unsuspecting parents into leaving their children unguarded before abducting them. A complaint from a parent in Akure about a missing child triggered the investigation that ultimately dismantled the network.
Commissioner Afolabi assured the public that the suspects would face prosecution, while efforts are ongoing to locate additional missing children.