The Anambra State Police Command has foiled an alleged attempt by a 21-year-old woman to sell her newborn daughter in Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Awka.
He said operatives attached to the Oyi Divisional Police Station acted on credible intelligence on 19 June and successfully foiled the alleged plan.
‘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.
Ikenga said the intervention followed a report from a concerned citizen, which led officers to a location in Igbariam where the young mother and her newborn were found.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman had concealed both her pregnancy and delivery from her parents.
He said it was further gathered 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’, he said.
According to him, the mother and baby were reunited with the family upon the parents’ arrival to ensure adequate care, supervision and emotional support, while investigations continue.
Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police (CP) Ikioye Orutugu, commended the vigilance and sense of responsibility demonstrated by the complainant and other members of the public whose timely information contributed to the successful intervention.
He said the commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, trafficking and neglect.
The command assured the public that investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
