Police Bust Alleged Baby Trafficking Ring, Recover Firearm, Drugs In Akwa Ibom Raids

Friday May 15, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

The Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State says it has intensified its crackdown on criminal networks, arresting three women over the alleged sale of a newborn baby, while also recovering a firearm, hard drugs and a suspected stolen BMW vehicle in separate operations across the state.

The Command said the operations were part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts to combat violent crimes, child trafficking, illegal possession of firearms and other criminal activities threatening public safety.

Police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said operatives, acting on credible intelligence on Wednesday, May 13, arrested three female suspects over alleged involvement in child trafficking, conspiracy and unlawful sale of a newborn baby.

The suspects were identified as Ekemini Godwin, 19; Endurance Sunday, 26; and Alice Emmanuel, 50, all from communities in Ikono Local Government Area.

According to the police, a complainant identified simply as Sifon reported that his wife delivered a baby boy on May 7, but the child was allegedly sold shortly after birth without his knowledge or consent.

Investigators alleged that the suspects sold the newborn to one Eno Peter of Ikpe Atai village for ₦145,000.

The statement said the baby had been successfully recovered following swift intervention by operatives, while the suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation.

It added that investigations had been expanded to uncover other members of the trafficking syndicate and possible illegal child adoption networks operating within and outside Akwa Ibom State.

In a separate operation at Efa village in Etinan Local Government Area, police operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout and arrested a 32-year-old suspect, Bassey Dennis.

Items recovered from the suspect included a Dane gun, one live cartridge, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Crystal Methamphetamine, popularly known as “ICE”.

Police described the recovery as a major threat to public safety, noting that illicit drugs and illegal firearms often fuel violent crimes.

According to the statement, investigations were ongoing to trace the source of the firearm and identify possible criminal collaborators linked to the suspect.

Meanwhile, police operatives also intercepted a silver BMW 5 Series saloon car without a registration number during a stop-and-search operation along Abak Road in Uyo on May 14.

According to the statement, the unidentified driver abandoned the vehicle and fled before he could be arrested.

The vehicle has since been impounded for forensic and ownership investigations to determine whether it is linked to theft, armed robbery or other criminal activities.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended officers involved in the operations and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and sustained raids on criminal hideouts.

He warned individuals involved in child trafficking, cultism, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and drug-related crimes to desist or face prosecution.

The CP also urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies, assuring that all intelligence shared would be treated confidentially.