The Anambra State Police Command has commenced investigations into a suspected child exploitation network, following the arrest of six persons and the rescue of 29 children and young adults across the state.
Key Highlights:
- Anambra Police rescued 29 children and young adults in an alleged child exploitation case.
- Six suspects were arrested in connection with the operation.
- The victims were handed over by the Ministry of Women Affairs for profiling and investigation.
- Police say the case involves possible child labour, trafficking, and street exploitation.
- Authorities say investigations are ongoing and suspects will be prosecuted if found guilty.
The rescued victims, whose ages range from six to 44 years, were handed over to the police by the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs on Sunday, for profiling and further investigation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said a total of 36 individuals, including the six suspects, were transferred to the command as part of efforts to tackle child labour, street hawking, human trafficking and other forms of child exploitation.
According to Ikenga, the profiling exercise is intended to establish the identities of the victims and suspects, uncover the circumstances surrounding the alleged exploitation, and facilitate the reunification of the rescued victims with their families and states of origin where necessary.
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The police identified the suspects as Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma and Moses Anyingo.
The command disclosed that the suspects were initially arrested by the Ministry of Women Affairs in Nnewi, over their alleged involvement in child exploitation before being transferred to the police for detailed investigation.
Ikenga stressed that child labour and street hawking expose children to dangers such as trafficking, abuse, neglect and other criminal activities, adding that anyone found culpable would face prosecution in line with the law.
The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding children and other vulnerable members of society from abuse and exploitation.
He also appealed to parents, guardians and members of the public to refrain from engaging children in hazardous labour or exposing them to the risks associated with street hawking.
The police further urged residents to promptly report cases of child abuse, trafficking, exploitation or neglect to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency channels.
