Child Trafficking: Police rescue 11-year-old girl

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

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

Mr Ukandu, a superintendent of police, said the breakthrough followed months of sustained and discreet investigations into the girl’s abduction and the activities of the suspected trafficking syndicate.

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

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

Mr Ukandu said Mrs Ibekwe told investigators that she approached Benedicta Umeh, also known as Nwanyi-Okigwe, after learning that she operated an orphanage and allegedly worked with welfare office officials to facilitate child adoptions.

He added that Mrs Ibekwe claimed she had expressed interest in adopting a child and was asked to provide a consent letter from her church and a medical certificate of fitness.

The police spokesperson said Mrs Ibekwe further alleged that she paid about ₦4 million to Mrs Umeh before the child was handed over to her, adding that the claims remained subject to further investigation.

He said the rescued girl was safe, while efforts were ongoing to reunite her with her family.

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Mr Ukandu said the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, Hope Okafor, commended the officers for their diligence and commitment to the investigation.

He said Mrs Okafor assured the public that anyone found culpable would face the law.

She also advised prospective adoptive parents to conduct proper investigations and follow due process before taking custody of any child.

The police commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving children to the nearest police station.