The Anambra State Police Command has foiled an alleged attempt by a 21-year-old woman to sell her newborn baby girl in Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.
The command said its operatives rescued both the young mother and her infant and subsequently reunited them with family members to ensure their safety, care and wellbeing.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to the statement, officers attached to the Oyi Divisional Police Headquarters acted on credible intelligence on June 19 and swiftly intervened before the alleged transaction could take place.
Ikenga explained that the operation was triggered by information provided by a concerned resident, which led police operatives to a location in Igbariam where the woman and her newborn child were found.
Preliminary investigations, he said, revealed that the woman had allegedly concealed her pregnancy and childbirth from her parents.
The police spokesman further disclosed that the young mother had reportedly left her family home in Imo State and moved to Igbariam, where she stayed with a friend before the alleged plan was uncovered.
“In the course of the operation, the police immediately contacted the young woman’s parents, who responded without delay,” Ikenga stated.
He added that upon the arrival of the parents, the mother and child were reunited with their family to guarantee adequate care, supervision and emotional support while investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, commended the vigilance of the informant and members of the public whose timely intervention aided the successful operation.
Orutugu also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children from abuse, trafficking, exploitation and neglect.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities within their communities.
The command assured the public that investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.