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Anambra, Adamawa Police Bust Child Trafficking Syndicate, Free 11 Minors
In a joint intelligence-led operation, police operatives from the Anambra and Adamawa State Commands have busted an interstate child trafficking syndicate and rescued 11 children aged between 3 and 6 years in Nnewi, Anambra State.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the successful operation followed close collaboration between officers from the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Awka, and the Adamawa State Police Command.
The operation, carried out on July 15, 2025, led to the arrest of a 43-year-old female suspect, Uche Okoye, who is believed to be a key figure in the trafficking network.
Ikenga disclosed that the suspect had been working as a conduit for abducted children transported from Adamawa State and sold illegally to unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of adoption.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the children were abducted and illegally sold for ₦1.5 million for boys and ₦800,000 for girls,” the statement said.
The rescued children—five boys and six girls—were found at a location in Uruagu, Nnewi, and have since been handed over to Assistant Commissioner of Police Shuaibu Wara, who led the operatives from the Adamawa Command. Police say efforts are underway to reunite the minors with their families and biological parents.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Uche Orutugu, commended the professionalism and synergy demonstrated by the two state commands. He reiterated his commitment to dismantling all trafficking networks operating within and across state boundaries.
In a stern warning to the public, CP Orutugu cautioned individuals and couples seeking to adopt children to always conduct thorough checks and follow due legal procedures to avoid complicity in trafficking crimes.
Meanwhile, the suspect is said to be cooperating with investigators, as police intensify efforts to track down other members of the trafficking syndicate.
The Command reassured the public that justice will be served and called for continued support in exposing criminal activities that threaten the safety and well-being of children in Nigeria.
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