Anambra Police Break Up Interstate Child Abduction and Trafficking Ring, rescue 11 children
The Anambra State Police Command has successfully unravelled an interstate syndicate involved in the kidnapping, abduction, and trafficking of children across Nigeria. The operation, carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in collaboration with police officials from Adamawa State, led to the arrest of a suspect and the rescue of 11 children.
On July 15, 2025, police operatives swooped into Uruagu in Nnewi North Local Government Area, resulting in the arrest of a key suspect, Uche Okoye, a 43-year-old woman. During the raid, law enforcement rescued five boys and six girls, aged between three and six years.
According to SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, the investigation revealed that the children had been kidnapped or stolen from Adamawa State and subsequently moved illegally to Anambra. Alarming details emerged that the traffickers offered the children for adoption at staggering prices—N1.5 million for each boy and N800,000 for each girl.
The police said the suspect is believed to be a significant link within the trafficking network operating across state lines. The rescued children are currently being cared for and will soon be reunited with their families, as they are handed over to the Adamawa Police’s team leader for further reintegration.
The police are actively pursuing further leads based on information supplied by the suspect to apprehend other syndicate members and bring them to justice.
Expressing his commendation, CP Ikioye Orutugu of the Anambra State Police praised the joint efforts of the Anambra and Adamawa police teams. He reiterated the force’s commitment to dismantling child trafficking networks. He urged the public to exercise caution in child adoption processes, emphasizing the importance of proper legal procedures and vigilance to prevent involvement in illegal activities under the guise of adoption.
The police’s relentless crackdown underscores their dedication to protecting vulnerable children and curbing the menace of child trafficking in Nigeria.
