The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 43-year-old woman, Uche Okoye, in connection with a major child trafficking operation. The arrest took place in Uruagu, Nnewi, a prominent industrial hub in the state, and led to the rescue of eleven children—five boys and six girls—during a coordinated operation with operatives from the Adamawa State Police Command.
Confirming the development on Friday, July 25, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, stated that the operation was the result of an extensive investigation into an interstate child abduction and trafficking syndicate operating between Adamawa and Anambra states.
According to Ikenga, preliminary investigations revealed that the children, aged between 3 and 6 years, were abducted from Adamawa State and subsequently transported to Anambra, where they were illegally offered to unsuspecting individuals seeking to adopt. The children were reportedly sold at N1.5 million each for boys and N800,000 for girls.
The rescued children were immediately handed over to ACP Shuaibu Wara, the Team Leader of the Adamawa Police Command operatives, who will oversee the process of reuniting the children with their biological families.
Ikenga explained,
“The Police Operatives attached to the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Awka, on 15th July 2025, collaborated with officers from Adamawa State Command in a breakthrough operation targeting an interstate child stealing and trafficking ring. The intelligence-driven effort led to the arrest of one female suspect, Uche Okoye, and the rescue of eleven minors from a location in Uruagu, Nnewi.”
The suspect, Okoye, is currently in custody, assisting police with further investigations. Authorities say she has provided valuable information that may lead to the arrest of additional members of the trafficking syndicate.
Reacting to the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Uche Orutugu, commended both the Anambra and Adamawa Police Commands for their professionalism, coordination, and proactive efforts.
He reiterated his commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at dismantling child trafficking networks across the country.
In a cautionary note, CP Orutugu also issued a strong advisory to the public:
“Individuals and couples seeking to adopt children must conduct proper due diligence and follow all legal procedures. Engaging in illegal adoptions, whether knowingly or unknowingly, constitutes a criminal offense and will be prosecuted.”
Police have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining members of the syndicate and bring them to justice.
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