Police rescue six children, arrest five over child stealing in Ogun–Lagos axis

Police rescue six children, arrest five over child stealing in Ogun–Lagos axis

By: Zagazola Makama

Police operatives have rescued six children and arrested five suspects in connection with a child stealing and abduction syndicate operating between Ogun and Lagos States.

Security sources said that the breakthrough followed the abandonment of a six-year-old boy, Samuel Honesty, who had been abducted on Nov. 28, 2025, from the Idanyin area of Ogun State.

According to the sources, the child was dropped in front of the Gowon Estate Police Station in Lagos on Jan. 21, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m.

“Following investigations, a team from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested five suspects on Jan. 23 at about 5:00 p.m. in the Badagry area of Lagos State in connection with the case,” the sources said.

They added that during the operation, six other children were rescued from a facility known as Joyful Kids Orphanage Home in Badagry, allegedly used by the suspects to keep abducted children.

“The orphanage is said to belong to one Joy Chidozie, 36. She confessed during interrogation that she bought the stolen child from one Bunmi for the sum of N1.5 million,” the sources disclosed.

The rescued children have since been placed in protective custody, while investigations are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate and uncover the full extent of their operations.

Police assured the public that those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Police rescue six children, arrest five over child stealing in Ogun–Lagos axis