Baby trafficking has once again come into sharp focus in Nigeria, as a two-week-old baby boy was rescued after being abducted and sold to unidentified individuals. The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of five suspects linked to the disturbing case.
The incident, which underscores the persistent threat of child trafficking across the country, was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin. He stated that operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) carried out the arrests following an in-depth investigation into a report of abduction and child theft.
The shocking incident was made public on Thursday by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who stated that operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) led the successful operation that led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the infant.
According to Hundeyin, the SCID swung into action following a distressing report lodged at the Ajah Police Division on May 5, 2025. A concerned man had approached the police to report the sudden disappearance of his 16-year-old cousin, identified as Miss Happiness, who was heavily pregnant at the time.
The complainant revealed that due to their family’s dire financial situation, the pregnant teenager was entrusted to one Nonye Osi, a woman who promised to provide her with shelter and care until she gave birth. However, things took a dark turn when Happiness vanished, and all attempts to trace her location were unsuccessful.
Baby Trafficking: Five Arrested Over Sale of Two-Week-Old Infant in Lagos
Eventually, the teenager was found, but by then, she was no longer pregnant, and the whereabouts of the baby she had given birth to remained unknown. Alarmed by the suspicious circumstances, the case was escalated to the SCID for further investigation.
Following meticulous intelligence gathering and surveillance, the SCID made significant progress in the case, resulting in the arrest of five suspects. Those taken into custody include Nonye Osi (female), Akintan Adedayo (female), Jimoh Bashiru (male), Elizabeth Bishop (female), and Bukola Oladapo (female). Investigators believe that the group worked in concert to traffic the newborn child, selling the baby for a reported sum of ₦3 million.
Acting on new leads obtained during interrogations, detectives traced the location of the sold baby to Agemuwo, a town in the Badagry area of Lagos State. In a coordinated operation, police operatives successfully recovered the baby boy, who was confirmed to be in good health at the time of his rescue.
“The two-week-old baby was found safe and sound,” said CSP Hundeyin in the official statement. “The Gender/Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Command is currently attending to the baby, ensuring he receives adequate care while arrangements are made for his reunion with his biological mother.”
The Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its strong stance against crimes involving minors and vulnerable individuals. The authorities emphasized that child trafficking, abduction, and any form of exploitation will be met with swift legal consequences.
“This case is a clear example of our zero tolerance toward child trafficking and exploitation,” Hundeyin added. “We want Lagos residents and Nigerians at large to know that we will leave no stone unturned in bringing all perpetrators of such heinous acts to justice.”
He further called on the public to be more vigilant, urging communities to report suspicious individuals or activities, especially those involving children, to law enforcement agencies.
The disturbing incident has drawn public outrage and reignited national discussions about the growing threat of baby trafficking and exploitation in Nigeria. Civil society groups and child protection advocates have called for stronger penalties for offenders and better support systems for vulnerable mothers, particularly teenagers who are often manipulated due to financial hardship or lack of family support.
This case is not an isolated incident. In a similarly shocking event in 2024, a 39-year-old man identified as Yusuf Umar, from Dagu village in Warji Local Government Area of Bauchi State, was arrested for attempting to sell his 5-year-old daughter for ₦1.5 million. That case also generated national attention and prompted demands for tougher enforcement of child protection laws.
Experts believe that Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, and inadequate reproductive health education, create an environment where baby trafficking and illegal adoption schemes can flourish. Traffickers often exploit desperate individuals, promising them help or financial reward in exchange for their children.
In response, the Nigerian government and law enforcement agencies have pledged to intensify their crackdown on such activities. Initiatives are underway to strengthen coordination between police, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to improve detection and prevention efforts.
Meanwhile, the rescued baby in the Lagos case remains under the care of the Gender/Anti-Human Trafficking Unit while social workers facilitate his safe return to his mother.
As investigations continue, authorities assure the public that the remaining culprits and any potential buyers involved in the transaction will be tracked down and prosecuted in accordance with the law. The Lagos State Police Command has once again urged citizens to partner with them in the fight against all forms of child exploitation.
“The protection of every Nigerian child, especially babies, is our collective responsibility,” Hundeyin concluded. “We must remain alert, compassionate, and committed to ending the cruel trade in innocent lives.”
Source- Punch