Three children have been rescued in Ibafo, Ogun State, following the arrest of three women allegedly linked to a child-stealing operation.

According to Sahara Reporters, the suspects are Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth; and Blessing Anochike, 60. They were apprehended by detectives from the Ibafo Divisional Police Headquarters during an investigation into a reported case of child stealing.

According to the Ogun State Police Command, the investigation gained momentum after Jimoh was arrested and allegedly provided information that led officers to Anochike’s residence, where the three children were found.

The rescued children are Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12. The police said Christiana was allegedly sold for N500,000, while Olamilekan, who had previously left his parents’ home, was later allegedly abducted.

The police said the circumstances surrounding Rebecca’s movement and custody are still being investigated, adding that the children are now safe and the suspects remain in custody.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, where investigators are expected to establish the roles of the suspects and determine whether other people were involved.

The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the detectives for the rescue operation and urged residents to report suspicious activities involving children or unexplained disappearances to the police.