Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have rescued a two-year-old child suspected to have been abducted and reunited the toddler with the parents following a swift intervention in Warri, Delta State.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that operatives attached to the Quick Response Squad (QRS), Warri, carried out the rescue operation on May 10, 2026, at about 7:15 p.m.
According to the statement, the operatives also prevented the lynching of a suspect identified as Fejiro Obaduemu, 29, of Idesor Street, Isi Layout, Warri, who was allegedly intercepted by residents at Igbudu Market while carrying the child concealed inside a sack bag.
Edafe said the development raised suspicion among residents, who accused the suspect of attempting to steal the child before the arrival of the police.
“Before the suspect could be mobbed, operatives of the QRS swiftly responded to the scene, rescued both the suspect and the child, and evacuated them to safety,” the police spokesman stated.
He explained that the suspect sustained injuries during the mob attack and was immediately taken to the Police Clinic in Warri for medical attention before being taken into custody for further investigation.
According to Edafe, further investigation conducted on May 11 led to the successful tracing of the child’s biological parents, after which the toddler was formally reunited with the family in the presence of leaders of the Hausa community in Warri.
The police spokesperson added that preliminary findings indicated that the suspect allegedly confessed to being sent by an unidentified individual to steal the child.
“Further investigation conducted on 11 May 2026 led to the successful tracing of the child’s parents, and the child was formally reunited with the family in the presence of leaders of the Hausa community in Warri,” the statement added.
Edafe disclosed that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the alleged accomplice and uncover other persons connected to the suspected child trafficking network.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to protecting children and combating human trafficking and related offences across the state.
“The Command remains committed to protecting children and combating all forms of human trafficking and related crimes,” the CP said.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities involving children to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency line: 08036684974.
