By Ovat Abeng
Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with officers from the Adamawa State Police Command has dismantled an interstate child-stealing, abduction, and trafficking syndicate operating in Nnewi, Anambra State.
The joint operation led to the arrest of a 43-year-old female suspect, Uche Okoye, and the rescue of 11 children,five boys and six girls aged between 3 and 6 years. The children were found in Uruagu, Nnewi, Anambra State.
The children were sold for prices ranging from ₦800,000 to ₦1.5 million each,the boys were sold for ₦1.5 million each, while the girls were sold for ₦800,000 each.
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According to a statement issued on Friday by the Anambra State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga the operation was the result of coordinated investigative efforts between the Criminal Investigation Department in Awka and operatives from the Adamawa State Police Command. The operation was conducted on July 15, 2025.
Ikenga stated that intelligence gathered during the investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, who is believed to be a key figure in the abduction and trafficking network across the two states.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the children were abducted in Adamawa State and illegally sold to unsuspecting individuals seeking to adopt children.
The children were allegedly sold at ₦1,500,000 (One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) each for boys, and ₦800,000 (Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) each for girls.
The rescued children have since been handed over to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Shuaibu Wara, the team leader of the Adamawa Police Command operatives, for reunification with their families and biological parents.
The PPRO also noted that the Anambra State Police Command is actively following up on information provided by the suspect to ensure the arrest and prosecution of other members of the trafficking syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police for Anambra State, CP Ikioye Uche Orutugu, commended the operatives involved particularly those from the Adamawa State Police Command for their professionalism and proactive efforts. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to eradicating child trafficking networks across Nigeria.
The Commissioner also issued a stern warning to individuals and couples seeking to adopt children, urging them to carry out proper due diligence and follow lawful procedures. He cautioned against involvement in illegal adoption practices, which could lead to criminal prosecution.
