The Anambra State Police Command has recorded a significant victory in its ongoing battle against human trafficking with the arrest of a suspected female child trafficker and the rescue of eleven abducted children in Nnewi, Anambra State.
The operation, which unfolded on July 15, 2025, was a result of coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts between the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, and the Adamawa State Police Command. This inter-state collaboration is being hailed as a strategic blow to a widespread child trafficking syndicate operating across northern and southeastern Nigeria.
Suspected Trafficker Identified, Children Rescued
In a press briefing, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed that a 43-year-old woman, identified as Uche Okoye, was apprehended in the Uruagu area of Nnewi. She is believed to be a major player in a syndicate that specializes in the abduction and illegal sale of children, often disguised as “adoption.”
According to SP Ikenga, officers, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the compound where they found eleven children five boys and six girls all between the ages of three and six. Early investigations indicate that the minors had been abducted from Adamawa State and trafficked into Anambra, where they were being sold for profit.
“Preliminary findings reveal a disturbing pattern: boys were being sold for ₦1.5 million, and girls for ₦800,000,” Ikenga stated.
The rescued children have since been handed over to Assistant Commissioner of Police Shuaibu Wara, who led the delegation from the Adamawa State Police Command. Steps are now being taken to reunite the victims with their biological families.
Commissioner of Police Commends Officers, Issues Public Warning
Reacting to the operation, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Uche Orutugu, applauded the professionalism and synergy exhibited by both commands. He noted that this success represents not just a tactical win, but a reaffirmation of the police's commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society children.
“This operation is a testament to what can be achieved through cooperation and swift intelligence sharing. I commend all officers involved, especially our counterparts from Adamawa,” CP Orutugu said.
He further reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for criminal enterprises, particularly those involving human trafficking and child exploitation, and assured the public of continued crackdowns under his watch.
Illegal Adoption Rings Under Scrutiny
CP Orutugu also issued a strong warning to prospective adoptive parents, emphasizing the dangers and legal consequences of engaging in child adoption through unofficial or black-market channels.
“Anyone seeking to adopt must do so through recognized and government-approved processes. Claiming ignorance of the law will not shield anyone from prosecution,” he stressed.
Ongoing Investigation to Uncover Wider Network
Police authorities confirmed that the arrested suspect, Uche Okoye, is currently assisting with investigations aimed at identifying other members of the trafficking ring. Law enforcement agencies believe the syndicate has operatives in multiple states, with a network possibly spanning the North-East to the South-East regions of Nigeria.
“This is not the end. It’s just the beginning of a wider effort to dismantle a dangerous operation that has thrived in the shadows for too long,” said a senior police official close to the investigation.
A Track Record of Success Under CP Orutugu
This operation adds to the growing list of achievements under CP Ikioye Uche Orutugu, whose leadership has seen intensified efforts against violent crime, kidnapping, cultism, and now, human trafficking. His administration has consistently emphasized intelligence-led policing and inter-agency collaboration as key strategies in restoring public safety across the state.
As investigations continue, public support remains crucial. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to child trafficking or illegal adoptions to report immediately to the nearest police station.
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