Rivers police rescue pregnant woman from child trafficking gang during raid in Aba, Abia State.
Two suspects arrested as newborn delivered safely; search continues for other fleeing syndicate members.
The Rivers State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a suspected child trafficking syndicate operating out of Aba, Abia State, rescuing a pregnant woman, Regina Sunday, from captivity.
The command’s tactical unit carried out the operation based on detailed intelligence and arrested two suspects believed to be involved in the syndicate. One of the suspects is a woman.
According to the police, Regina Sunday, who was held against her will, was placed under protective custody and later gave birth at the Police Clinic in Port Harcourt. Both mother and newborn baby are now safe and in good health.
The spokesperson for the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday. She said the police are now working to track down other members of the gang who are still at large.
“The Rivers State Police Command has made significant strides in combating human trafficking, a scourge that has plagued our society.
“Following diligent investigation and intelligence gathering, operatives of the command successfully apprehended two notorious suspects linked to a child trafficking syndicate that is under investigation.
“On June 24, 2025, detectives extended their investigation to Aba, Abia State, where they arrested two suspects namely: Sunshine Hart, (female) aged 28, and Kingsley Ekocha (male) aged 38.
“During the operation, a pregnant woman, Regina Sunday, aged 24, was rescued from the clutches of the traffickers and is currently in protective custody.
“As fate would have it, Regina Sunday went into labour on June 30, 2025, and was promptly rushed to the Police Clinic in Port Harcourt, where she was safely delivered of a baby boy.
“Both mother and child are receiving medical attention and are in stable condition,” Iringe-Koko stated.
She added that investigations are ongoing and that the police are determined to capture other members of the trafficking ring.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the officers for their efforts and reaffirmed the command’s dedication to public safety and justice.
He also urged members of the public to support the fight against human trafficking by reporting any suspicious activity or providing helpful information to the police.
