The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested two women identified as Rose and Blessing for allegedly attempting to take away a young girl in one of the satellite communities in the FCT.
The suspects, said to be from Enugu and Benue States respectively, were allegedly caught after a concerned resident who witnessed the incident alerted the police.
According to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, operatives responded swiftly to the report, rescued the child and arrested the two women.
Adeh said, “The suspects were arrested after a well-meaning member of the community who observed the entire incident alerted the police.
“Responding swiftly to the report, police operatives arrived at the scene, rescued the child and arrested both suspects.”
The police spokesperson said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had previously been arrested, prosecuted and convicted for a similar offence in 2025.
According to her, the women spent about five months in prison before they were released on bail.
Adeh said further investigation showed that the suspects allegedly abducted and trafficked four children to different parts of the country after their release.
“They were subsequently convicted and released on bail after spending about five months in prison.
“Further investigation revealed that since their release, the suspects have abducted and trafficked four children to different parts of the country,” she said.
The latest arrest followed the intervention of the community member, who alerted the authorities before the girl could allegedly be taken away.
The case has renewed concerns over child trafficking and the unlawful movement of children, particularly where such activities may be concealed under claims of adoption, guardianship or other child custody arrangements.
It has also raised questions about repeat offending, given the police allegation that the two suspects had previously been convicted in connection with a similar offence.
Investigators are expected to establish how the suspects allegedly came into contact with the child, where they intended to take her and whether other individuals or an organised trafficking network may be connected to the case.
The police have continued to urge residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements involving children to law enforcement authorities.
The incident has also generated reactions on social media, with users expressing concern about child trafficking and the safety of children in the country.
Commenting on a video of the incident posted by Instablog on X, @leeleeofAfrica wrote: “People are now kidnapping children to sell like commodities. This is not just insecurity anymore, it is a collapse of humanity. Anyone involved deserves the full weight of the law.”
Another user, @FeloHalamadric, expressed shock, writing: “Damn this country is getting scarier everyday.”
The police said investigation into the latest incident is ongoing.