Abia Police Arrest Three Over Child Theft, Rescue Victims.

Abia Police Arrest Three Over Child Theft, Rescue Victims.

The Abia State Police Command has arrested three female suspects in connection with alleged child stealing and successfully rescued two children who were later reunited with their family in Rivers State.

The suspects identified by the police are Vera Imiobong Udoyang, 30, from Etimekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State; Chioma Duru Ukanwoke, 40, from Amaraku in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State; and Ezinne Ukandu, 41, from Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

According to a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, operatives of Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters, acting on actionable intelligence and in collaboration with community vigilantes, arrested Vera Imiobong Udoyang on May 10, 2026, in Abia State

The police said the suspect was found with two children identified as Caleb Tamunoye Paul, a three-year-old boy, and Joy David, a three-year-old girl, both from Okrika in Rivers State.

During interrogation, Vera reportedly confessed to stealing the children after luring them with donuts and soft drinks at Ozoaporo in Okrika, where she resides.

Preliminary investigations further revealed that Vera was allegedly contacted by Chioma Duru Ukanwoke, who was in turn contacted by Ezinne Ukandu. Police disclosed that Ezinne Ukandu had allegedly been approached by a welfare officer identified simply as Chioma, who is currently at large, to source for a male child of about three years or arrange an adoption from any willing family.

The Command stated that the three suspects are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing welfare officer.

The rescued children have since been safely reunited with their parents, while the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Danladi Isa, urged residents to remain security conscious and ensure proper monitoring of their children.

He also advised parents to warn children against accepting gifts from strangers or following unknown persons.

The police further appealed to members of the public to promptly report suspicious persons seen with children to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines.