Anambra CP Lauds Joint Operation that Busted Interstate Child Trafficking Syndicate
By Chizoba Njaka
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Ikioye Uche Orutugu, has lauded the exceptional work of the operatives, especially the Adamawa State Police Command, in successfully busting the interstate child trafficking ring.
In a statement released by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, CP Orutugu reiterated the police command's dedication to tackling child trafficking and urged prospective adoptive parents to exercise caution and adhere to legal protocols to avoid falling prey to unscrupulous elements.
Meanwhile, Anambra State Police Command, in partnership with the Adamawa State Police Command, conducted a joint investigation that resulted in the disruption of a child trafficking network operating between the two states on July 15, 2025.
The command successfully apprehended a 43-year-old woman, Uche Okoye, believed to be a key figure in an interstate child trafficking network. The intelligence-driven operation, led by the police operatives, resulted in the rescue of 11 children, comprising 5 boys and 6 girls aged between 3 and 6 years, in Uruagu, Nnewi, Anambra State. The suspect is suspected to be involved in the abduction and trafficking of children across state lines.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations indicated that the children were stolen from Adamawa State and trafficked to unsuspecting adoptive parents, who paid N1,500,000 for male children and N800,000 for female children.
Following their rescue, the children were transferred to the custody of ACP Shuaibu Wara, leading the Adamawa State Police Command's operation, to facilitate their reunion with their families. Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command is leveraging intelligence gathered from the suspect to track down and bring to justice other members of the syndicate.