The Anambra State Police Command has dismantled an interstate child trafficking syndicate operating in Uruagu, Nnewi North Local Government Area, rescuing 11 children and arresting one suspect in the process.
Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday. He said the operation was carried out on July 15 by operatives of the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, in collaboration with the Adamawa State Police Command.
The operation led to the arrest of a 43-year-old woman, Uche Okoye, believed to be a key figure in the trafficking network. The rescued children—five boys and six girls—are between the ages of three and six.
According to Ikenga, preliminary investigations revealed that the children were abducted from Adamawa State and trafficked to Anambra, where they were illegally sold to unsuspecting individuals seeking to adopt children.
“The boys were sold for N1.5 million each, while the girls were sold for N800,000,” he stated.
The rescued children were handed over to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Shuaibu Wara, who led the Adamawa police team involved in the investigation. Authorities say efforts are underway to trace and reunite the children with their biological families.
The police also confirmed that the suspect is cooperating and providing information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the trafficking ring.
Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the successful collaboration between both police commands. He emphasized the importance of dismantling child trafficking networks nationwide and pledged continued support for similar joint operations.
The commissioner also warned individuals and couples interested in adopting children to strictly follow due legal processes and avoid illegal adoption schemes.
