By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Nigeria Police used to illustrate the story |
The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a notorious child-stealing syndicate, rescuing six children and arresting five suspects. The operation, which culminated in the Badagry area of Lagos State, has sparked fresh conversations regarding the security of vulnerable children and the regulation of private care facilities.
The investigative trail began following the mysterious appearance of six-year-old Samuel Honesty. Samuel had been abducted on November 28, 2025, from the Idanyin area of Ogun State, leaving his family in a state of despair for nearly two months.
In a surprising turn of events, the boy was found abandoned in front of the Gowon Estate Police Station in Lagos at approximately 6:00 p.m. on January 21, 2026. His safe return provided the critical leads necessary for the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to track the perpetrators back to their hideout.
Following the lead, police operatives launched a tactical raid on January 23, 2026, in Badagry. The operation targeted a facility operating under the name Joyful Kids Orphanage Home, which security sources allege was a front for keeping abducted children before they were sold to "buyers."
During the raid, the police rescued six additional children who were found within the facility. These children, whose identities are currently being verified to reunite them with their biological families, have been placed in protective custody.
The prime suspect and owner of the facility, identified as 36-year-old Joy Chidozie, was among the five individuals arrested. During interrogation, Chidozie reportedly made a startling confession, admitting to the illicit purchase of Samuel Honesty.
"She confessed during interrogation that she bought the stolen child from an accomplice identified as 'Bunmi' for the sum of N1.5 million," security sources revealed.
The police are now widening their net to apprehend "Bunmi" and other members of the syndicate who facilitate the abduction and transport of children across state lines.
The Lagos and Ogun State Police commands have assured the public that the investigation will be exhaustive. Authorities are currently auditing the "orphanage" to determine if it had any legal standing and to uncover the full extent of its criminal operations over the years.
Law enforcement officials have reiterated their commitment to prosecuting all those found culpable to the fullest extent of the law. They also urged parents to remain vigilant and requested that any families with missing children report to the nearest station to assist in the identification process of the rescued victims.