The Anambra State Police Command has dismantled a major child trafficking network operating across state lines, rescuing 11 children and arresting a key suspect involved in the operation.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the operation was carried out on July 15, 2025, by officers from the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department, in collaboration with their counterparts from the Adamawa State Police Command.
The police revealed that the rescued children—five boys and six girls, aged between three and six years—were allegedly abducted from Adamawa State and trafficked to unsuspecting individuals seeking illegal adoption in Anambra.
“Preliminary investigations show that the children were stolen in Adamawa State and sold in Anambra at varying prices—N1.5 million for boys and N800,000 for girls,” Ikenga stated.
The suspect arrested during the operation, identified as 43-year-old Uche Okoye, is believed to play a significant role in the inter-state child trafficking syndicate.
“This arrest marks a major breakthrough in efforts to combat child trafficking,” SP Ikenga said. “The suspect is cooperating with investigators, and more arrests are expected as we work to dismantle the entire network.”
He also confirmed that the rescued children have been handed over to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Shuaibu Wara, who led the team from the Adamawa Police Command. Efforts are underway to reunite the children with their biological families.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the collaborative effort between the two state commands, praising their professionalism and proactive approach in tackling child trafficking.
“Let me commend the gallant officers of both commands who contributed to this success. This is a strong message to those involved in the heinous act of child trafficking—we will find you, and you will face the full wrath of the law,” CP Orutugu said.
He further issued a caution to individuals and couples interested in adopting children, urging them to follow due legal procedures to avoid becoming complicit in criminal activities.
“Adoption should be a lawful and transparent process. We urge members of the public to verify adoption channels and report any suspicious activities to the police,” the Commissioner added.