The Anambra State Police Command says an interstate syndicate involved in child trafficking, kidnapping, and theft has been discovered in Uruagu, which is located in the state’s Nnewi North Local Government Area.
According to the command, on July 15, 11 children—five boys and six girls—were rescued during an operation conducted by police officers from the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, working with Adamawa police officers. One suspect was taken into custody.
The investigation showed that the children were kidnapped, stolen, and taken from Adamawa State, according to a statement issued on Friday by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police command.
Ikenga added that the children were illegally given to unsuspecting members of the public seeking adoption for N1.5 million for the boys and N800,000 only for the girls, respectively.
The statement read in part, “The police operatives attached to the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka on July 15, 2025, complemented the efforts of the officers of Adamawa State Police Command on investigation activities to record a breakthrough in busting an interstate child stealing/abduction and trafficking syndicate.
“The intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of one female suspect, Uche Okoye aged 43 years, and the rescue of eleven children, (five boys and six girls), ranging in age from three to six years, in Uruagu, Nnewi, Anambra State.
“The suspect is believed to be a major link in the abduction of children and the trafficking network operating between states.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the children were abducted/stolen and transported from Adamawa and illegally given to unsuspecting members of the public seeking adoption for N1.5 million for the boys and N800,000 only for the girls respectively.
“The rescued children were handed over to the Assistant Commissioner of Police Shuaibu Wara, Team Leader of the Operatives from Adamawa Police Command, for possible reuniting with their families and biological parents.”
He claims that the command is investigating the suspect’s information in order to potentially apprehend and prosecute other syndicate members.
While praising the officers involved in the operation, particularly the Adamawa State Police Command, for their proactive and professional approach, he added that CP Ikioye Orutugu, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, promised his ongoing support in efforts to dismantle child trafficking networks throughout the nation.
“In a strong advisory, the CP also cautioned individuals and couples seeking to adopt children to endeavour to do the necessary checks and to follow legal procedures and avoid involvement in criminal acts under the guise of adoption,” the statement added.
