Ebonyi State Police Command arrested Nwankpu James on Tuesday following a disturbing video that went viral online.
In the footage, James was seen maltreating a child on bare ground in what officers described as abusive and inhumane conduct.
Commissioner Hope Urunwa Okafor immediately ordered operatives to track down the suspect and rescue the child.
Police traced both James and the child's parents to Isohumini Agbaja Community in Izzi Local Government Area.
The arrest was swift. The child was successfully rescued from the scene.
SP Joshua Ukandu, the command's spokesperson, confirmed the operation in a statement released to journalists in Abakaliki.
James remains in police custody as investigations continue into his actions. Authorities haven't disclosed what he was doing with the child.
Doctors at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki admitted the rescued child for urgent medical evaluation and treatment.
The police command used the incident to warn Nigerians against child abuse. Officials said they're committed to defending children's rights and dignity in all circumstances.
