Anambra State Police Command has dismantled a cross-state child trafficking syndicate operating in Uruagu, Nnewi North LGA, with the successful rescue of 11 abducted children and the arrest of a suspect.
According to a statement released on Friday, July 25, 2025, by police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the breakthrough was the result of a joint operation between officers of the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department and their counterparts from the Adamawa State Police Command.
The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Uche Okoye, was arrested during an intelligence-led raid. Investigations revealed that the rescued children five boys and six girls aged between 3 and 6 had been stolen from Adamawa State and trafficked to unsuspecting individuals seeking to adopt children illegally.
According to Ikenga, each boy was allegedly sold for N1.5 million, while each girl was trafficked for N800,000. The children have since been handed over to ACP Shuaibu Wara from the Adamawa Command to facilitate their safe return to their families.
“The suspect is believed to be a key link in a wider trafficking network stretching across state lines,” Ikenga stated, adding that further arrests are expected as investigations continue based on the intelligence gathered.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Ikioye Uche Orutugu, praised the collaborative effort and professionalism of both state commands. He reaffirmed his commitment to cracking down on trafficking rings nationwide.
He also issued a warning to prospective adoptive parents: “Follow due process. Ensure legal procedures are followed. Do not fall victim to criminal rackets disguised as adoption services.”
