The Delta Police Command has rescued a two-year-old child allegedly abducted in Warri and prevented the mob lynching of a suspect linked to the crime.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Warri.

Edafe said operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), Warri Unit, carried out the rescue on Sunday after the suspect was intercepted by vigilant residents while carrying the child concealed in a sack.

According to him, the development raised suspicion of child theft, prompting residents to apprehend the suspect.

“On May 10, police operatives successfully rescued a two-year-old child suspected to have been abducted and also prevented the lynching of the suspect at Igbudu Market, Warri.

“Before the suspect could be mobbed, operatives of the QRS swiftly responded, rescued both the suspect and the child, and moved them to a safe location.

“The suspect, who sustained injuries from the mob action, was taken to the Police Clinic, Warri, for treatment and subsequently taken into custody for investigation,” he said.

Edafe said further investigations conducted on Monday led to the identification and tracing of the child’s parents.

He added that the toddler was reunited with the family in the presence of leaders of the Hausa community in Warri South Local Government Area.

The police spokesperson also said the suspect allegedly confessed to being sent by another individual in Warri to steal the child.

He noted that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the alleged accomplice and unravel the wider network connected to the crime.

Edafe added that the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates involved in child theft and trafficking in the state.