The Anambra State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled an interstate child stealing and trafficking syndicate operating in Uruagu, Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement released on Friday, July 25, 2025, by the spokesperson of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the successful operation was conducted on July 15 by operatives from the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, in collaboration with the Adamawa State Police Command.
The police disclosed that one suspect, identified as Uche Okoye, 43, was arrested during the operation, while 11 children — five boys and six girls aged between three and six years — were rescued.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the rescued children had been abducted from Adamawa State and transported to Anambra, where they were allegedly sold to unsuspecting members of the public seeking adoption. The syndicate reportedly sold male children for ₦1.5 million each and female children for ₦800,000.
Ikenga said, “The intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of one female suspect, Uche Okoye, aged 43 years, and the rescue of eleven children in Uruagu, Nnewi, Anambra State. The suspect is believed to be a major link in the abduction and trafficking network operating across state lines.”
He added that the rescued children have been handed over to ACP Shuaibu Wara, who led the operatives from the Adamawa State Police Command, for possible reunification with their biological parents.
The police command confirmed that it is currently acting on information obtained from the suspect to apprehend other members of the syndicate involved in the heinous crime.
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The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the joint effort of both commands and applauded the professionalism of the officers involved. He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating child trafficking and protecting vulnerable members of society.
In a stern warning, the CP also advised individuals and couples seeking to adopt children to go through proper legal channels and avoid involvement in illegal adoption or trafficking rings.
“Anyone found circumventing due process or participating in criminal adoption activities will face the full wrath of the law,” Orutugu cautioned.
The Anambra State Police Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that may be linked to child abduction or trafficking.
