Child Trafficking: Police rescue 11-year-old girl

The police in Ebonyi State have rescued an 11-year-old girl, allegedly kidnapped in May 2026 by a toddler trafficking syndicate.

Joshua Ukandu, the police spokesperson in Ebonyi, instructed reporters in Abakaliki on Thursday.

Mr Ukandu, a superintendent of police, mentioned the breakthrough adopted months of sustained and discreet investigations into the girl’s abduction and the actions of the suspected trafficking syndicate.

He mentioned police operatives traced and arrested Nneka Ibekwe at Nkpor, Onitsha, Anambra, on 6 October over her alleged involvement within the crime.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that Mrs Ibekwe allegedly bought the girl from the syndicate in June 2026.

Mr Ukandu mentioned Mrs Ibekwe instructed investigators that she approached Benedicta Umeh, often known as Nwanyi-Okigwe, after studying that she operated an orphanage and allegedly labored with welfare workplace officers to facilitate youngster adoptions.

He added that Mrs Ibekwe claimed she had expressed curiosity in adopting a toddler and was requested to supply a consent letter from her church and a medical certificates of health.

The police spokesperson mentioned Mrs Ibekwe additional alleged that she paid about ₦4 million to Mrs Umeh earlier than the kid was handed over to her, including that the claims remained topic to additional investigation.

He mentioned the rescued girl was secure, whereas efforts had been ongoing to reunite her together with her household.

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Mr Ukandu mentioned the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, Hope Okafor, recommended the officers for his or her diligence and dedication to the investigation.

He mentioned Mrs Okafor assured the general public that anybody discovered culpable would face the legislation.

She additionally suggested potential adoptive mother and father to conduct correct investigations and comply with due course of earlier than taking custody of any youngster.

The police commissioner urged members of the general public to stay vigilant and promptly report suspicious actions involving kids to the closest police station.