The Anambra State Police Command has busted a child trafficking syndicate in Uruagu, Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state and rescued about 11 children.
Stating this during the operation carried out by the police operatives attached to the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka in collaboration with Adamawa police operatives, on July 15, the command says it busted the interstate operation following thorough investigation.
In a Friday statement, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that one suspect was arrested while 11 children (five boys and six girls) were rescued.
Following investigation, Ikenga said the command found out that the children were abducted/stolen and transported from Adamawa State and illegally given to unsuspecting individuals for adoption for N1.5 million for the boys and N800,000 only for the girls.
The statement partly read; “The police operatives attached to the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka on July 15, 2025, complemented the efforts of the officers of Adamawa State Police Command on investigation activities to record a breakthrough in busting an interstate child stealing/abduction and trafficking syndicate.
“The intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of one female suspect, Uche Okoye aged 43 years, and the rescue of eleven children, (five boys and six girls), ranging in age from three to six years, in Uruagu, Nnewi, Anambra State.
“The suspect is believed to be a major link in the abduction of children and the trafficking network operating between states.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the children were abducted/stolen and transported from Adamawa and illegally given to unsuspecting members of the public seeking adoption for N1.5 million for the boys and N800,000 only for the girls respectively.
“The rescued children were handed over to the Assistant Commissioner of Police Shuaibu Wara, Team Leader of the Operatives from Adamawa Police Command, for possible reuniting with their families and biological parents.”
Ikenga further stated that the command is with the information provided by the suspect, is working towards the arrest of the other members of the syndicate.
He noted that the suspects after complete apprehension would be possibly charged to court.
According to him, the Anambra state Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the efforts of the operatives involved in the operation, especially the Adamawa State Police.
He lauded them for their proactive and professional approach just as he pledged to continually support in possible ways to dismantle other child trafficking networks in the states and across the country.
The CP further cautioned individuals and couples seeking to adopt children to endeavour to do the necessary checks and to follow legal procedures and avoid involvement in criminal acts under the guise of adoption.
