The Abia State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against child trafficking, rescuing 18 stolen infants and children and arresting 10 suspects linked to a notorious child-stealing syndicate operating within Aba and its surrounding areas, ABN TV reports.

In a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen C. Chinaka, the Command revealed that the successful operations followed a complaint lodged on September 27, 2025, by a young woman from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The victim reported that a man who promised to marry her lured her to Aba and disappeared with her two children under the pretext of buying food.

Following credible intelligence, police operatives stormed a residence on October 8, 2025, suspected to be one of the syndicate’s hideouts. During the raid, five suspects were arrested — Mrs. Best Ndubusi (41), Charles Enyinnaya (25), Eunice Ezekiel (35), Nnena Kalu (60), and Gideon Esther (25) — while one infant and seven children were rescued.

The following day, October 9, another coordinated operation along the Aba–Owerri Road led to the arrest of Obiegbunam Von (65), Ezeoma Rejoice (21), Ngozi Owoh (20), and Favour Ernest (22). In that raid, seven infants and three children were recovered from the suspects’ custody.

Further investigation and surveillance efforts paid off on October 10, when operatives arrested Brittney Oyemuwa Zion (22) of Amuoji Uku, Obingwa LGA, and rescued another child.

According to the police, the rescued children are currently in protective custody, while investigations continue at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Umuahia.