The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a private security guard accused of abducting a two-year-old child in the state. The incident, which has raised concerns over the safety of children in residential and commercial areas, was reported to have taken place in a housing estate where the suspect was employed.
According to police authorities, the suspect allegedly lured the toddler away from the vicinity of their residence under the pretense of playing with the child. The matter was quickly reported to the police by the parents when they noticed the child’s disappearance, triggering a swift investigation and coordinated search by law enforcement officers.
Spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that operatives were able to trace and rescue the child unharmed within hours of the abduction. He explained that the suspect, who was responsible for guarding the premises, had taken advantage of his position to perpetrate the act.
Hundeyin added that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further interrogation and prosecution. He assured residents that the police remain committed to ensuring the safety of children and warned that anyone found engaging in child abduction or related crimes would face the full weight of the law.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect may have been working alone, although police are not ruling out the possibility of accomplices. Efforts are ongoing to establish his motive, as well as whether the act was linked to any larger child trafficking network.
The police have since urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure that children are not left unattended, particularly in public or semi-public spaces. They also called on estate managements and employers to thoroughly screen security personnel before deployment, noting that such lapses often provide opportunities for criminal activities.
Meanwhile, the rescued child has been reunited with the family, who expressed relief and gratitude to the police for their prompt intervention. The Command reiterated its determination to curb crimes against minors in Lagos and appealed for continued cooperation from residents in reporting suspicious activities.
