Suspected Child Trafficker Caught With Toddler Inside Sack In Warri Market

Tension erupted at Igbudu Market in Warri, Delta State, after a suspected child trafficker was allegedly caught carrying a two-year-old child hidden inside a sack bag, prompting swift intervention by operatives of the Delta State Police Command.

The dramatic incident, which occurred on Sunday, May 10, 2026, led to the rescue of the toddler and the arrest of the suspect, who was reportedly saved from being lynched by an angry mob.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), Warri, acted promptly after residents intercepted the suspect under suspicious circumstances.

The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Fejiro Obaduemu of Idesor Street, Esi Layout, Warri.

Police said vigilant residents became suspicious after noticing that the child was concealed inside a sack bag while being moved around the busy market area.

“The manner the child was concealed raised serious suspicion of child stealing,” the Command stated.

As word spread through the market, an angry crowd reportedly descended on the suspect, accusing him of attempting to traffic the child.

However, officers of the Quick Response Squad arrived at the scene in time to rescue both the child and the suspect before the situation escalated further.

The suspect reportedly sustained injuries during the mob attack and was later taken to the Police Clinic in Warri for treatment before being placed in custody for investigation.

Police authorities disclosed that further investigations carried out on May 11 led to the successful tracing of the child’s parents.

The rescued toddler was subsequently reunited with the family in the presence of leaders of the Hausa community in Warri.

According to preliminary police findings, the suspect allegedly confessed that another individual based in Warri instructed him to steal the child.

The Delta State Police Command said efforts are ongoing to arrest the alleged accomplice and uncover any criminal network connected to child trafficking activities in the area.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reassured residents that the police remain committed to combating child trafficking, child stealing and related crimes across the state.

“The Command remains committed to protecting children and combating all forms of human trafficking and related crimes,” the police commissioner stated.

He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements involving children to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency line, 08036684974.