The Anambra State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a child trafficking syndicate operating between Adamawa and Anambra states.
The discovery led to the rescue of 11 abducted children and the arrest of a key female suspect.
This was contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Friday.
Ikenga stated, “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.”
He confirmed that a 43-year-old female suspect, Uche Okoye, was arrested during the intelligence-driven operation in Uruagu, Nnewi, where 11 children, five boys and six girls, aged between three and six years, were rescued.
“The suspect is believed to be a major link in the abduction of children and the trafficking network operating between states,” Ikenga said.
According to the police, preliminary investigations showed that the children were abducted from Adamawa State and trafficked to Anambra for illegal adoption
He said the boys were sold for N1.5 million each, while the girls were priced at N800,000.
He said, “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 for the boys and N800,000 only for the girls respectively.”
Ikenga noted that the rescued children have been handed over to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Shuaibu Wara, the team leader of the operatives from the Adamawa State Police Command, for the process of reunification with their biological families.
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Ikenga noted that efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate based on information provided by the suspect in custody.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to supporting operations aimed at dismantling such criminal structures across Nigeria.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Uche Orutugu, warned individuals and couples seeking to adopt children to undertake necessary checks and follow legal procedures, thereby avoiding involvement in criminal acts under the guise of adoption.
The operation added to a string of recent anti-trafficking operations carried out by the police and other law enforcement agencies.
In February 2025, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) intercepted a syndicate in Ogun State transporting underage children across state lines for forced domestic labour and street begging.
Child trafficking remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, especially in border and underserved communities, with traffickers exploiting loopholes in the adoption process and the desperation of economically vulnerable families.
Law enforcement authorities have reiterated the need for vigilance, robust adoption of reforms, and stronger inter-agency cooperation to prevent the growing scourge.