The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended five suspects for their involvement in the abduction and sale of a two-week-old baby in a case that has shocked residents and drawn widespread condemnation.
The ordeal began when a 16-year-old pregnant girl was reported missing by her family. Following a discreet investigation led by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), officers uncovered a syndicate allegedly responsible for targeting vulnerable young girls and trafficking their newborns for profit.
According to police reports, the teenage girl was found after days of intense search, but her newborn had already been sold for a staggering ₦3 million to a buyer in Badagry, a coastal town in Lagos State. Swift police action led to the rescue of the infant, who was found unharmed and is currently under the care of social welfare officials. Arrangements are underway to reunite the baby with the mother once medical checks are completed.
The five suspects, including individuals suspected to be intermediaries and the buyer, are now in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations. The Lagos Commissioner of Police has vowed to dismantle all trafficking rings operating within the state and ensure that justice is served in this case.
"This is a despicable crime against a child and the mother," a police spokesperson said. "We will pursue this case to its logical conclusion and ensure that all those involved are prosecuted accordingly."
The incident has sparked renewed calls for greater awareness and protection of underage girls, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, as well as stronger legislation against child trafficking in Nigeria.
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