The Rivers State Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking syndicate that targets vulnerable pregnant women and young mothers, stealing their babies to sell to buyers.

The four-member syndicate is reportedly led by Blessing Jack, a 54-year-old ex-convict previously jailed in Calabar for a similar offence. She was arrested on October 9 in Igwuruta, Port Harcourt, following a discreet investigation by the Command’s C4i Intelligence Unit.

The arrest of Blessing led to the capture of her three associates: Chinonso Raymond, 30; Chinyere Okorie, 32; and Nkechi Nwankwo, 50. Investigations revealed that the syndicate exploited fake scans and deception to manipulate women into handing over their newborns. One transaction reportedly earned them ₦2,000,000.

All suspects have confessed, and further investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the network.

The State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, praised the operatives for their diligence and urged the public to report any information that could aid in combating human trafficking in the state.