Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
Authorities in Anambra State have reportedly arrested a mother and an accomplice over an alleged attempt to sell a baby for โฆ2.9 million.
The development has renewed concerns over child trafficking and the illegal sale of children in parts of southeastern Nigeria, where security and government agencies have continued to intensify efforts to dismantle networks involved in the exploitation of vulnerable children.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended by operatives of the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA) during an operation linked to the alleged transaction.
Details surrounding the circumstances of the arrest indicate that the agency intervened after receiving information about the proposed sale of the child. The intervention reportedly prevented the transaction from being completed and brought the suspects into custody for further investigation.
The case highlights the growing concern surrounding the commercial exploitation of children, particularly infants and minors who are often targeted by criminal networks operating under different disguises.
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SASA has been involved in previous operations targeting suspected child-trafficking networks in Anambra.
In April 2026, the agency announced the arrest of a 42-year-old man, identified as Sunday Nomen, in connection with an alleged interstate child-trafficking operation. Two children, aged between three and eight, were reportedly rescued during the operation.
According to the agency’s account reported at the time, an operative posed as a prospective buyer during negotiations before the suspect was arrested. The suspect allegedly confessed to purchasing the children for โฆ3.5 million and was said to have identified an accomplice who introduced him to the trade.
The earlier case demonstrated how intelligence gathering and undercover operations can help security agencies intercept suspected trafficking activities before victims are moved or sold.
The latest reported arrest involving a mother and an accomplice therefore adds to the growing number of cases that have placed child protection and trafficking prevention firmly on the public agenda in Anambra.
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Child trafficking remains a serious criminal and social problem in Nigeria. Victims can be exposed to illegal adoption arrangements, forced labour, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse.
Authorities have repeatedly warned members of the public against individuals and organisations that attempt to obtain children through illegal means.
In another Anambra case reported in January 2025, police arraigned a woman over allegations involving the theft and buying and selling of a baby girl. The defendant faced charges of conspiracy and child stealing and pleaded not guilty.
Such cases demonstrate the complexity of the problem and the need for cooperation between law-enforcement agencies, social-welfare authorities, communities and members of the public.
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Child-protection experts and government authorities have consistently stressed the importance of reporting suspicious activities involving children.
Parents and guardians are also encouraged to be cautious when dealing with individuals or organisations offering adoption, financial assistance or other arrangements involving minors.
The involvement of mothers or other close relatives in alleged child-selling cases can make such investigations particularly difficult because children may be transferred through people who initially appear to be trusted family members.
Authorities must therefore ensure that investigations establish the full circumstances surrounding each case, including whether other individuals or organisations were involved.
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The suspects are expected to remain in custody while investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction and determine whether other people were involved.
The identity of the alleged buyer and other details of the transaction have not been independently established from the available reports.
The baby reportedly rescued during the intervention is expected to receive appropriate protection and care while authorities investigate the case.
The suspects remain alleged offenders unless and until a competent court determines otherwise.
The latest incident once again underscores the importance of strengthening mechanisms for preventing child trafficking, rescuing victims and bringing those responsible for exploiting children to justice.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to determine the full extent of the alleged transaction and whether the case forms part of a wider child-trafficking network operating within or beyond Anambra State.
