The Rivers State Police Command has uncovered a major child trafficking syndicate operating within the state and arrested several suspects linked to the illegal network.
According to a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the syndicate was allegedly led by 54-year-old Blessing Jack, a resident of Timber Road, Igwuruta, Port Harcourt, who is accused of exploiting vulnerable young mothers by stealing and selling their newborn babies for financial gain.
Acting on intelligence, operatives of the C4i Intelligence Unit apprehended the prime suspect on October 9, 2025, at Igwuruta, Port Harcourt. A conversation between Jack and an accomplice, identified as Marley Oburu, reportedly exposed the group’s operations. In the exchange, Jack discussed a case in which her associate took a woman’s baby under the pretense that the infant had died, later receiving ₦2 million for the transaction.
Investigations further revealed that the syndicate used fake medical scans and other deceptive tactics to manipulate pregnant women into surrendering their babies.
Those arrested are Blessing Jack (54), Chinonso Raymond (30), Chinyere Okorie (32), and Nkechi Nwankwo (50) — all residents of Port Harcourt.
Police findings also indicated that Blessing Jack had previously served a three-year prison term in Calabar for child trafficking, confirming her long-standing involvement in the illicit trade. All the suspects have reportedly confessed to the crime and are currently in custody as investigations continue to track down other members of the network.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, commended the operatives for their professionalism and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and combating human trafficking in the state.
The Police Command urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist in ongoing investigations, stressing the importance of collective action in building a safer society.
