The Anambra State Police Command has thwarted an alleged attempt by a 21-year-old woman to sell her newborn baby girl in Igbariam, located in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the development in a statement issued to journalists on Sunday in Awka.
“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 police promptly secured both the mother and her infant daughter and facilitated their reunion with family members to ensure proper care, protection and support,” he said.
According to Ikenga, the police intervention was initiated following information provided by a concerned resident. Acting on the tip-off, officers traced the young mother and her newborn to a location in Igbariam.
Preliminary findings indicated that the woman had reportedly hidden her pregnancy and childbirth from her parents. Investigators also discovered that she had left her family home in Imo State and was staying with a friend in Igbariam before the alleged plan came to light.
“In the course of the operation, the police immediately contacted the young woman’s parents, who responded without delay,” he said.
The police spokesperson explained that upon the parents’ arrival, both the mother and child were reunited with their family to ensure they received proper care, supervision and emotional support, while further investigations continue.
Ikenga added that the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, praised the alertness and civic responsibility displayed by the complainant and other members of the public whose timely information aided the successful operation.
The PPRO noted that the Commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding children against abuse, exploitation, trafficking and neglect.
He further stated that Orutugu urged residents to remain watchful and sustain cooperation with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities within their communities without delay.
The command assured residents that investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure that anyone found culpable would face justice in line with the law.
