ABUJA, Nigeria: The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has rescued two babies abandoned in separate incidents in Kurudu and Gwagwalada areas of Abuja, as authorities intensify efforts to identify their mothers and other family members.
The two incidents occurred on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, several hours apart.
Baby boy found abandoned in carton.
The first incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. around Obodo Street in Kurudu. According to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, a resident identified as Mr Innocent heard the cry of a baby and went to investigate.
He reportedly discovered a baby boy carefully wrapped in cloth and abandoned inside a carton box.
Innocent alerted the Kurudu Police Station, prompting officers from the Kurudu Division and the Juveniles and Women Care (JWC) Department to respond to the scene.
The baby was rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for medical assessment. Police said he was found to be in stable condition and was subsequently handed over to the Social Welfare Department for further care.
Baby girl found outside resident’s gate
Later that same night, at about 9:40 p.m., another resident, identified as Mr Ibrahim, heard the cry of a baby outside his gate in Gwagwalada.
Upon checking, Ibrahim discovered a baby girl who appeared to have been abandoned on the premises. He, together with other concerned members of the community, rescued the child and reported the incident to the Gwagwalada Police Station at about 10:15 p.m.
Officers from the JWC Department took the baby girl to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital for medical examination. She is currently receiving care and is expected to be handed over to the Social Welfare Department for further assistance.
Police appeal for information
The FCT Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding both cases and trace the babies’ mothers or other relatives.
SP Josephine Adeh commended Mr Innocent, Mr Ibrahim and other members of the communities for responding quickly, rescuing the babies and notifying the police.
The Command has appealed to anyone with information that could assist in identifying the babies’ mothers or family members to come forward.
Information can be provided at the nearest police station or through the FCT Police Public Relations Officer on 07038979348 or 08107314192.
The rescue has also renewed concerns about child abandonment and the vulnerability of newborns, while highlighting the importance of community members reporting suspicious activities or emergencies promptly.
