Zone-13 Cracks Down: 8 Traffickers Arrested, 2 Pregnant Women , 2 Kids Rescued

Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone-13, AIG Abayomi Peter Oladipo

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone-13, AIG Abayomi Peter Oladipo, has led a major crackdown on a human trafficking syndicate operating in the South-East. The operation resulted in the arrest of eight suspects, the rescue of two children, and the liberation of two pregnant women.

Speaking after the successful sting operation that exposed a notorious baby factory, AIG Oladipo announced the arrest of key criminal elements and reaffirmed the Police Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable lives.

“Let it be known that Zone-13 remains a hostile ground for child traffickers and all criminal elements. We will continue to pursue justice for every victim and rid our communities of those who prey on the innocent,” he declared.

The AIG praised the courage and professionalism of the operatives involved and urged the public to remain vigilant, encouraging citizens to report any suspicious activities to nearby police stations or directly to the Zonal Command.

He said that collective efforts are essential to eliminating criminal syndicates.

Details of the operation were formally communicated to journalists by CSP Ihunwo Josephine K., ANIPR, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Zone-13 Headquarters, Ukpo.

According to her,the Zone-13 Command Zonal Intelligence Department (ZID) dismantled a dangerous child-stealing and trafficking syndicate operating across southeastern Nigeria.

She said the sting operation, conducted on June 20, 2025, led to the arrest of eight suspects from various locations within the zone.

Among the arrested were Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56) identified as key players in a network involved in child theft, human trafficking, illegal adoptions, baby factory operations, and the management of unlicensed medical facilities.

The spokesperson of zone,said during interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to multiple criminal activities, including conspiracy, abduction, sale of infants, exploitation of vulnerable individuals, and running baby factories for profit.

According to her,in a heartbreaking yet successful rescue effort, police operatives recovered a 7-month-old baby and a 4-year-old child from a remote village hideout.

Additionally, she said two heavily pregnant women from Ebonyi State were rescued from captivity, where they were allegedly being held against their will for the sole purpose of giving birth to babies that would be sold.

The syndicate’s operations, which spanned multiple communities, represent a deeply troubling chapter in Nigeria’s human trafficking crisis. However, this operation marks a significant victory in the fight against such heinous crimes.

Zone-13 Police confirmed that a manhunt is currently underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate. All suspects in custody will be formally charged in court. Law enforcement agencies have pledged to follow every lead until the entire criminal network is completely dismantled.