The Anambra State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against child trafficking, complementing the efforts of the Adamawa State Police Command. On July 15, 2025, police operatives attached to the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, arrested one female suspect and rescued eleven children in Nnewi.
The operation was intelligence-driven, and the police have been working tirelessly to dismantle the child trafficking network. The suspect, Uche Okoye, aged 43 years, is believed to be a major link in the abduction of children and the trafficking network operating between states.
The eleven children rescued, five boys and six girls, range in age from 3 to 6 years. They were found in Uruagu, Nnewi, Anambra State, and were believed to have been abducted from Adamawa State.
Preliminary investigation reveals that the children were abducted/stolen and transported from Adamawa and illegally given to unsuspecting members of the public seeking to adopt children. The suspect is believed to have been involved in the trafficking network for some time.
The suspect, Uche Okoye, was arrested in Uruagu, Nnewi, Anambra State. She is currently in police custody and is assisting with the investigation.
The Anambra State Police Command has been working tirelessly to combat child trafficking in the state. The command has been using intelligence-driven operations to identify and apprehend suspects.
The Anambra State Police Command worked closely with the Adamawa State Police Command to bust the interstate child trafficking syndicate. The collaboration between the two commands has been instrumental in the success of the operation.
Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect sold the children to unsuspecting individuals for adoption purposes. Boys were sold for ₦1.5 million, while girls were sold for ₦800,000.
The police are working to reunite the rescued children with their biological families. The process is ongoing, and the police are using various means to identify the parents of the children.
The Anambra State Police Command is committed to combating child trafficking in the state. The command will continue to use intelligence-driven operations to identify and apprehend suspects.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Uche Orutugu, has cautioned prospective adoptive parents to follow legal procedures and conduct thorough background checks to avoid falling prey to trafficking schemes disguised as adoption.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to apprehend other members of the syndicate. The police are also working to identify the source of the children and the extent of the trafficking network.
The operation is considered a success, and the police have been commended for their efforts. The rescue of the eleven children is a significant breakthrough in the fight against child trafficking.
The Anambra State Police Command has been commended for their efforts in combating child trafficking. The command’s commitment to using intelligence-driven operations to identify and apprehend suspects has been instrumental in the success of the operation.
The busting of the interstate child trafficking syndicate is a significant achievement for the Anambra State Police Command. The command’s commitment to combating child trafficking will continue, and the police will work tirelessly to ensure that suspects are brought to justice.
