In a major breakthrough, the Anambra State Police Command has successfully rescued two children who were abducted years ago and recovered them in Delta and Edo States. The operation, conducted by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Gender Section, concluded a nine-month intensive investigation that spanned several states across Nigeria.

The rescued children are 14-year-old Sunday Aliya and 12-year-old Ebenezer Emmanuel, whose disappearance had left their family devastated for over a decade.

⚖️ Background of the Case

According to a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer of Anambra State, Superintendent Ikenga Tochukwu, the case was first reported at Fegge Police Station, Onitsha, on 18th January 2025.

The guardian of the children reported that the boys were sent to fetch water at a nearby borehole but never returned home. Initial investigations were conducted locally before the matter was escalated to SCID Awka for a broader, intelligence-led operation due to the complex nature of the case.

🕵️ Investigation and Arrests

Operatives traced credible intelligence that led to the arrest of a suspect named Yusuf in Katsina State. During interrogation, Yusuf provided crucial information that helped the police locate the children.

Following these leads, the team successfully rescued Sunday Aliya in Umunede, Delta State, and later recovered Ebenezer Emmanuel in Benin City, Edo State.

The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, commended the officers involved, highlighting their perseverance, professionalism, and dedication. He emphasized that the Command remains committed to following every lead in any case, regardless of how long it takes, ensuring justice is served.

👏 Police Praise and Community Support

The police also acknowledged the vital role of the public, urging residents to continue providing credible information to aid investigations.

“We appreciate the cooperation of residents whose tips contributed to this success. The Command encourages ongoing support from the community to ensure law enforcement is effective,” the Commissioner said.

The dedication of the officers and the cooperation of local communities proved instrumental in bringing closure to a long-standing case.

🏠 Reunion Arrangements

Arrangements are now underway to reunite the rescued children with their parents, who currently reside in Ilorin, Kwara State. The police have confirmed that formal procedures for reunification are ongoing, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the children.

The successful recovery marks a significant achievement for the Anambra Police, demonstrating that child abduction cases, no matter how old, can be resolved through sustained effort and intelligence-led policing.

🌍 Implications and Community Impact

The case underscores the importance of community cooperation in law enforcement and the role of state-level investigative units in tackling complex crimes. It also highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing child abduction and trafficking in Nigeria.

Experts note that timely reporting, combined with intelligence-led operations, can drastically improve recovery rates for missing children. This case serves as a reminder for parents and guardians to maintain vigilance while also trusting law enforcement to act decisively.

🗣️ Closing Statement

The Anambra Police’s success in recovering Sunday Aliya and Ebenezer Emmanuel demonstrates the capabilities of Nigerian law enforcement when investigative diligence meets community engagement.

As authorities finalize reunification procedures, the nation celebrates a long-awaited moment of relief and closure for the children and their family, while reinforcing the importance of reporting missing children and supporting police operations.