Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have foiled an alleged attempt by a 21-year-old woman to sell her newborn baby, and have reunited both mother and child with her family for care and support.
According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, officers attached to Oyi Divisional Headquarters acted on credible intelligence on Thursday, June 19, 2026. The intervention led them to a location in Igbariam where the young mother and her infant daughter were found.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman had concealed both her pregnancy and delivery from her parents. Police said she had left her family home in Imo State and was staying with a friend in Igbariam before the alleged plan was uncovered.
Following the report from a concerned citizen, police secured the mother and child and immediately contacted her parents. The parents responded promptly, and both mother and baby were reunited with the family to ensure adequate care, supervision, and emotional support while investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, commended the vigilance of the complainant and other residents whose timely information led to the successful intervention.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting children from abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and neglect, and urged residents to keep reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
SP Ikenga said investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, and anyone found culpable will be prosecuted according to the law.
