The Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with officers from Adamawa State, has successfully dismantled a child trafficking syndicate operating in Uruagu, Nnewi North LGA. During the joint operation conducted on July 15, 2025, one female suspect, Uche Okoye, aged 43, was arrested. Police also rescued eleven children—five boys and six girls—aged between three and six years.
Investigations revealed that the children had been abducted from Adamawa State and illegally sold to unsuspecting individuals seeking to adopt. The syndicate reportedly sold the boys for ₦1.5 million each and the girls for ₦800,000 each. The rescued children have since been handed over to ACP Shuaibu Wara of the Adamawa Police Command for safe return to their families.
Authorities believe the arrested suspect is a major player in the interstate trafficking network. Police are using the information she provided to track down and arrest other members of the syndicate involved in the illegal operation.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, praised the operatives for their professionalism and emphasized the need to eradicate child trafficking in Nigeria. He also urged prospective adoptive parents to follow legal adoption procedures to avoid becoming complicit in criminal activities.
