Fear and outrage swept through parts of Ogun State after police uncovered a suspected child-stealing syndicate operating quietly in Mowe.
The discovery led to the rescue of three children, including a four-month-old baby allegedly stolen from a nursing mother inside a clinic.
The dramatic operation was carried out by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command after days of intelligence gathering and surveillance across strategic locations in the area.
Police also arrested a husband and wife allegedly linked to the disturbing child abduction cases. The suspects were identified as Oluwarankami Kehinde Ugochukwu and her husband, Ugochukwu Mathew.
According to police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, detectives attached to the Mowe Division carried out the operation under the coordination of the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Afeniforo Folake.
The investigation reportedly began on May 17, 2026, after a distressed mother raised an alarm over her missing baby.
The woman reportedly told police that her four-month-old child disappeared while she was receiving medical treatment at a clinic in the Omo Onile area of Mowe.
According to investigators, the female suspect allegedly approached the nursing mother and pretended to offer help.
Babaseyi explained that the woman gained the victim’s trust before disappearing with the infant.
“She thereafter absconded with the baby,” the police statement revealed.
The incident immediately triggered a large-scale search operation across the community. Meanwhile, detectives intensified intelligence gathering around motor parks and other strategic locations.
The breakthrough reportedly came on May 18 at about 7:55 p.m.
Police operatives tracked the suspects to a hideout located in the Kekere Ekun area of Mowe. During the operation, the stolen baby was rescued safely.
However, officers made another disturbing discovery inside the building.
Two additional children were reportedly found in the suspects’ custody.
Furthermore, preliminary findings revealed that one of the rescued children had earlier been declared missing in 2024.
Investigators said the child was allegedly taken from a hairdressing salon using a similar deceptive method.
Police authorities confirmed that the biological parents of two rescued children have already identified and reunited with them.
Meanwhile, the rescued children are said to be receiving care and protection while investigations continue.
The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Authorities said further investigations would help uncover whether more victims are connected to the network.
In addition, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised officers involved in the operation for their swift response and professionalism.
He also reassured residents that the command remains committed to fighting child trafficking and violent crimes across the state.
Residents were further encouraged to stay alert and report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies immediately.
