Police rescue stolen newborn in Benue, arrest 11 suspects

Police in Benue State have successfully rescued a newborn baby who was allegedly stolen shortly after delivery at a healthcare facility in Gboko. The operation also led to the arrest of 11 suspects linked to the abduction.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, announced the development, stating that the Command received a complaint on August 12, 2026, from a father whose wife had recently given birth. He reported that the newborn had gone missing from the healthcare facility.

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On August 12, 2026, at about 11am, operatives of the Command attached to A Division, Gboko, received a complaint from one Aondofa Chia, whose wife had recently delivered a baby at a healthcare facility in Gboko, that the newborn had gone missing.

Following the report, police operatives launched an immediate investigation. Their efforts resulted in the swift arrest of nine suspects who were taken into custody to aid in establishing the circumstances surrounding the baby's disappearance. Further investigation later that day led to the apprehension of two additional suspects, bringing the total number of individuals in custody to 11.

The alleged principal suspect, identified as 35-year-old Mrs. Nguhemen Asugh, was apprehended, and the stolen newborn was recovered from her possession. The baby has since been safely reunited with her mother. The police investigation is ongoing to fully understand the incident and ascertain the culpability of each suspect.

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The stolen newborn baby was subsequently rescued from her custody and safely reunited with the mother.