The Abia State Police Command has arrested three suspected child traffickers accused of abducting two toddlers from Rivers State and transporting them to Abia State.
The command also confirmed that the rescued children had been reunited with their families following the operation.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, the suspects were identified as Vera Imiobong Udoyang, 30, from Etimekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State; Chioma Duru Ukanwoke, 40, from Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State; and Ezinne Ukandu, 41, from Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.
According to the police, the rescued children are three-year-old Caleb Tamunoye Paul and Joy David, also aged three, both from Okrika in Rivers State.
The statement disclosed that operatives attached to the Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters, acting on credible intelligence in collaboration with local vigilantes, arrested Vera Udoyang on May 10, 2026, while she was allegedly in possession of the children in Abia State.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to luring the children away with doughnuts and soft drinks at Ozoaporo community in Okrika, where she was said to reside.
The police further revealed that preliminary investigations uncovered a wider network allegedly linked to illegal child trafficking and adoption arrangements.
Investigators said Vera Udoyang was allegedly contacted by Chioma Ukanwoke, who was in turn connected to Ezinne Ukandu.
Ukandu was reportedly approached by a welfare officer identified simply as Chioma, who is currently on the run, to source a three-year-old boy or facilitate an unlawful adoption deal.
The police said the three suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing welfare officer.
The statement added that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Umuahia for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely monitor their children to prevent similar incidents.
He also advised parents to educate children against accepting gifts from strangers or following unfamiliar persons, while urging members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements involving children to security agencies.
Cases of child abduction and trafficking have continued to raise concern across the country, with security agencies intensifying efforts to dismantle syndicates involved in illegal adoption and child theft operations.