Nnewi, Anambra State – The Anambra State Police Command has announced a significant breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking, successfully dismantling an interstate child stealing, abduction, and trafficking syndicate operating in Uruagu, Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state.
The meticulously planned operation, carried out by police operatives attached to the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Awka, in collaboration with officers from the Adamawa State Police Command, on July 15, 2025, led to the arrest of one suspect and the rescue of eleven children.
According to a statement released on Friday by the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, investigations revealed the shocking detail that the rescued children—comprising five boys and six girls, aged between three and six years—were originally abducted or stolen from Adamawa State.
Ikenga further disclosed the illicit trade surrounding these vulnerable children. The syndicate was found to be illegally selling the children to unsuspecting members of the public who were seeking adoption. Boys were reportedly sold for N1.5 million each, while girls fetched N800,000.
The police statement highlighted the collaborative effort that led to the bust: “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 successful operation underscores the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command, in conjunction with other state commands, to combat heinous crimes such as child trafficking and ensure the safety and protection of children. Further details regarding the ongoing investigation and the welfare of the rescued children are anticipated.
