Police rescue stolen newborn, arrest 11 suspects in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has rescued an infant stolen moments after delivery at a healthcare facility in Gboko, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue state, and apprehended 11 suspects linked to the incident. This was reported by the command's spokesperson, Orchia Aondogwu, in a statement on Thursday. On August 12, 2026, around 11 am, police officers from Division A in Gboko received a report from Aondofa Chia, whose wife had given birth at the facility and whose newborn had vanished shortly after birth.

Aondogwu noted that the police swiftly initiated an investigation, leading to the arrest of nine suspects for questioning and to aid in uncovering the details surrounding the infant's disappearance. Further investigation resulted in the arrest of two more individuals at approximately 10 pm on the same day, including the primary suspect, Mrs. Nguhemen Asugh, 35, who was suspected of stealing the newborn.

The baby was later recovered from her custody and reunited with her mother. As of the recent arrests, a total of 11 suspects are presently in police custody for their alleged role in the offense. Aondogwu stated that the ongoing investigation aims to fully understand the circumstances of the case, determine each suspect's involvement, and ascertain their respective levels of culpability.