The Anambra State Police Command said it has recovered a three-year-old girl sold to a suspected buyer in Calabar, Cross River State.

The recovery notice was contained in a statement issued to Journalists in Awka on Saturday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

The statement read; “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public that operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in the early hours of 21st November 2025, successfully recovered a stolen 3-year-old girl following a case transferred from Ogbaru Division, Atani, involving conspiracy, child stealing, and harbouring.

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“The Operatives, through sustained and intelligence-driven operations, rescued the child at Nnobi, Idemili South LGA, Anambra State, and have since safely reunited her with her parents.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the child was stolen by one Miss Chioma Anioma, an apprentice to the victim’s family. Upon realizing that operatives were closing in on her, the suspect allegedly escaped arrest in Calabar, Cross River State, where the child had been sold to another suspect now on the run. In a bid to evade further Police pressure, Chioma abandoned the child at Nnobi and later contacted the victim’s parents to disclose the location.

“Meanwhile, intensive efforts are ongoing to identify, trace, and arrest all suspects connected to the criminal syndicate responsible for the abduction and trafficking of the child,” the statement ended.

A 35-year-old man, Temigbe Adeola, has been arrested in Akure, the Ondo State capital, for allegedly impersonating a serving officer of the Nigerian Army and defrauding a family of N1.2 million, money belonging to the retirement benefits of the victim’s mother.

Adeola’s arrest followed credible intelligence that he had fraudulently obtained the funds from one Mr Temiloluwa.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Akure by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olushola Ayanlade.

According to the police, the N1.2 million represented part of the victim’s mother’s retirement benefits, which the family had invested in property.

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Further investigations revealed that the victim’s son had approached Adeola for assistance in retrieving the funds, believing him to be a serving military officer.

“Exploiting the trust placed in him, the suspect, along with accomplices who are currently at large, deceitfully obtained the money and converted it to their own use,” Ayanlade said.

He added that the case showcases the importance of public vigilance and highlights the proactive steps taken by the police to safeguard citizens’ hard-earned resources.

Upon interrogation, Adeola reportedly confessed to the crime and admitted that he had been dismissed from the Nigerian Army in 2023 after serving with the 82 Battalion in Enugu.

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His impersonation and involvement with other fugitives remain subjects of ongoing, professional investigation.

The police spokesperson confirmed that Adeola is currently in lawful custody and will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.

He also noted that efforts are underway to track down the remaining accomplices, reaffirming the command’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals connected to the crime are brought to justice.

“The Ondo State Police Command remains steadfast in its mandate to protect lives and property. We urge residents to stay alert and report suspicious behaviour or individuals to the nearest police station.

“Under the strategic guidance of the Inspector-General of Police, the command will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations and uphold the highest standards of professionalism,” Ayanlade added.

Two suspected motorcycle snatchers were reportedly killed in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Friday.

The incident led to the recovery of stolen properties including over 1,000 motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines and other household items.

The recovered items were displayed by authorities for public identification as residents whose motorcycles or belongings were previously stolen were urged to visit the venue and check for their property.

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Details surrounding the operation, including the security agency involved and how the suspects were apprehended, were not immediately provided.

There was also no confirmation on whether additional suspects were arrested or if investigations were ongoing.

Residents who expressed relief over the recovery of stolen goods, were also apprehensive concerning the rise in motorcycle thefts and the general security situation in Makurdi.

Spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached at the time of filling this report.