The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four women in connection with child trafficking in Ifite-Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who said operatives of the Rapid Response Squad acted on credible intelligence to carry out the early-morning raid.
During the operation, police rescued a one-week-old baby girl and apprehended four female suspects allegedly involved in a conspiracy to purchase the child.
“The suspects, Elizabeth Okafor, 62; Esther Nweke, 48; Ngozi Maanfa, 45; and Peace Elijah Moses, 25, reportedly conspired to buy the newborn for ₦1.7 million,” the statement read. “An advance payment of ₦350,000 was allegedly made to Peace Elijah Moses, the purported biological mother, who is among those arrested.”
The rescued baby is currently under protective care, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department Gender Unit in Awka for discreet investigation and prosecution, according to Ikenga.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children and combating all forms of human trafficking in the state.
This incident follows a similar case in July 2025, when the command dismantled an interstate child abduction and trafficking syndicate operating in Uruagu, Nnewi North LGA. Eleven children were rescued, and one suspect was arrested during a joint operation with Adamawa State police.
The previous investigation revealed that abducted children were illegally sold to unsuspecting members of the public for between ₦800,000 and ₦1.5 million, depending on gender.
The Anambra State Police have urged residents to report suspicious activities to help combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable children.
The command’s actions highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement against child trafficking in the state.
