Police rescue three children in Mowe operation
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a husband and wife suspected of child stealing.
The police also rescued three children during the operation in the Mowe area of the state.
Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday.
He said operatives acted swiftly after a resident reported a missing baby case at Mowe Division.
Suspects allegedly used deceptive tactics
According to the statement, the suspects include Oluwarankami Kehinde Ugochukwu and her husband, Ugochukwu Mathew.
The complainant said the female suspect visited her at a clinic on May 16, 2026.
She allegedly offered to help care for the baby while the mother rested.
However, she reportedly left with the four-month-old child and disappeared.
The incident was reported the next day at about 10:00 a.m. on May 17, 2026.
Police tracked suspects to hideout
Detectives immediately launched an intelligence-led operation after receiving the complaint.
They monitored motor parks and strategic locations within Mowe.
Based on credible intelligence, officers tracked the suspects to Kekere Ekun area.
Police stormed the location on May 18, 2026, at about 7:55 p.m.
They rescued the stolen baby and recovered two other children from the house.
Officers also arrested the couple at the scene.
One rescued child linked to earlier case
Investigations revealed that one of the rescued children had been declared missing in 2024.
Police said the child was taken from a hairdressing salon using a similar trick.
The biological parents of two rescued children have already identified them.
Case transferred for deeper investigation
The police have transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
DSP Babaseyi said investigators will carry out a discreet probe into the case.
Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers for their swift response.
He said their action led to the arrest of the suspects and rescue of the children.
Police urge public vigilance
The command restated its commitment to fighting child trafficking and abduction in the state.
It also urged residents to report suspicious movements to security agencies.
Police said community cooperation remains key to preventing similar crimes.
