The Anambra State Police Command has busted an interstate child stealing/abduction and trafficking syndicate operating in Uruagu, Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, July 25, 2025 said the operation carried out by the police operatives attached to the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department in collaboration with Adamawa police operatives, led to the arrest of one suspect and rescue of 11 children, five boys and six girls.
According to the PPRO, investigation revealed that the children were abducted, stolen and transported from Adamawa State.
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 Police Operatives attached to the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka on 15th July 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 statement read.
“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 3 to 6 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 reveals that the children were abducted/stolen and transported from Adamawa and illegally given to unsuspecting members of the public seeking adoption for N1,500,000 (One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) for the boys and N800,000 (Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) only for the girls respectively.
“The rescued children were handed over to the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Shuaibu Wara, Team Leader of the Operatives from Adamawa Police Command, for possible reuniting with their families and biological parents.
“Meanwhile, the Command is working on the information provided by the suspect for the possible arrest and prosecution of other members of the syndicate.
“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Ikioye Uche Orutugu, fwc MNIPS PhD*, while commending the Operatives involved in the operation, especially the Adamawa State Police Command for their proactive and professional approach, pledged his continuous support in efforts aimed at dismantling child trafficking networks across the country.
“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.”
