Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have uncovered a child trafficking syndicate that targets vulnerable pregnant women and young mothers, stealing and selling their babies to waiting buyers.
The four-member syndicate, according to the police, is led by a 54-year-old ex-convict, Blessing Jack, who had previously served a jail term in Calabar, Cross River State, for a similar offence.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday. She said Jack was arrested on October 9, 2025, by operatives of the Command’s C4i Intelligence Unit following a discreet investigation into the group’s activities in Igwuruta, near Port Harcourt.
Iringe-Koko said the arrest of the gang leader led to the capture of three other members of the syndicate, identified as Chinonso Raymond (30), Chinyere Okorie (32), and Nkechi Nwankwo (50), all residents of Port Harcourt.
“The syndicate, led by one Blessing Jack of Timber Road, Igwuruta, exploits young mothers by stealing and selling their newborn babies for huge sums of money,” the statement read.
According to the police, an intercepted conversation between Jack and one Marley Oburu revealed how the group deceived a woman into believing her baby had died, while they secretly sold the child for ₦2 million.
“The suspects also used fake medical scans and manipulated vulnerable pregnant women to obtain their babies,” the statement added.
Preliminary investigations showed that the arrested suspects voluntarily confessed to their roles in the illegal trade, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the network.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the officers for their efforts in busting the syndicate and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting women and children across the state.
“The Rivers State Police Command will continue to work tirelessly to combat human trafficking and safeguard vulnerable individuals,” Adepoju said, urging residents to report suspicious activities that could help the police track traffickers and dismantle criminal networks.
The latest breakthrough follows a series of successful operations by the Command, including the arrest of suspected kidnappers and armed robbers in various parts of the state in recent months.
