Operatives of the Nigeria police Command in Abia have apprehended three suspects behind the theft of two children.
The Command’s spokesman, DSP Maureen Chinaka, identified the three female suspects as Vera Imiobong Udoyang, Chioma Duru Ukanwoke, and Ezinne Ukandu.
30-year-old Ezinne Ukandu, from Etimekpo LGA in Akwa Ibom State, 40-year-old Ukanwoke, from Amaraku Isiala Mbano Imo State, and 41-year-old Ukandu from Obingwa LGA Abia State, are alleged to be behind the abduction of the rescued children, according to police.
The statement simply identified the abducted children who are both three-year-old as Paul, male from Okrika, Rivers State and Joy David from Abia State.
The statement explained that the suspected were nabbed on on May 10, 2026, leveraging on actionable intelligence by operatives of Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters, in collaboration with community vigilantes.
The statement said, Udoyang was arrested in Abia State, after she was found with the children, according to the statement, which said, “upon interrogation, she confessed to stealing the children after luring them with donuts and soft drinks at Ozoaporo in Okrika, Rivers State, where she resides”.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that Vera Imiobong Udoyang was earlier contacted by Chioma Duru Ukanwoke, who in turn was contacted by Ezinne Ukandu.
“Ezinne Ukandu had allegedly been contacted by a certain welfare officer identified as Chioma, who is currently at large, to source for a male child aged about three years or arrange for adoption from any family willing to give out a child” before nemises caught up with her, according to the police.
Part of the statement said, “The three suspects, Vera Imiobong Udoyang, Chioma Duru Ukanwoke and Ezinne Ukandu are in police custody , while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the said welfare officer, Chioma, who is at large”.
The statement also said the rescued children have been safely reunited with their parents and investigation is ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
In the meantime, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, has urged members of the public to remain security conscious, ensure the safety of their children, and advise them not to accept items from strangers or follow unknown persons.
The Commissioner further advised the public to report any suspicious individuals seen with children to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines.
