The Anambra State Police Command has foiled an alleged attempt by a 21-year-old woman to sell her newborn baby girl in Anambra East Local Government Area, rescuing both mother and child and reuniting them with family members as investigations continue.
The Anambra State Police Command has thwarted 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 development was disclosed on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement issued in Awka. According to Ikenga, operatives attached to the Oyi Divisional Police Station acted on credible intelligence on June 19 and successfully intervened before the alleged transaction could take place.
“Operatives of the Anambra Police Command attached to Oyi Divisional Station, acting on credible intelligence, on June 19, successfully foiled an alleged attempt by a 21-year-old woman to sell her newborn baby,” the statement read.
The police spokesman explained that officers immediately secured the safety of both the young mother and her infant daughter before facilitating their reunion with family members to ensure proper care, protection and support.
He noted that the intervention followed information provided by a concerned citizen, which prompted officers to trace the woman and her child to a location in Igbariam.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman had allegedly concealed her pregnancy and delivery from her parents. Further findings indicated that she had left her family home in Imo State and sought refuge with a friend in Igbariam 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 said.
Following 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 Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the vigilance of the complainant and members of the public whose timely information contributed to the successful intervention.
Ikenga said the police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children from abuse, exploitation, trafficking and neglect.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue collaborating with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities within their communities.
The command assured members of the public that investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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