Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In a significant blow to child trafficking and exploitation networks in the South-East, the Anambra State Police Command has arrested six suspects and rescued 29 children and young persons in a coordinated operation carried out in collaboration with the state's Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. The operation, which targeted a suspected child trafficking ring operating in Nnewi, led to the recovery of victims aged between six and 44 years, the police have confirmed.
The Anambra State Police Command, in a statement issued on Monday, June 29, 2026, by its Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command received 36 persons in total — comprising 29 rescued children and young persons and six suspects — from the Ministry of Women Affairs for profiling as part of ongoing efforts to combat child labour, street hawking, human trafficking, and other forms of child exploitation in the state.
The six suspects were identified as Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma, and Moses Anyingo. They were arrested in Nnewi and are alleged to have been linked to the exploitation of the rescued minors. The suspects were handed over to the police to facilitate comprehensive profiling, identification, and investigation.
SP Ikenga explained that the exercise is aimed at establishing the identities of all those involved, determining the circumstances surrounding the children's exploitation, and ensuring the possible reunification of the victims with their families and respective states of origin where necessary, in collaboration with relevant government agencies and child protection stakeholders.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has reiterated the command's commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from all forms of abuse and exploitation. He warned that child labour and street hawking expose children to serious risks, including trafficking, abuse, neglect, and other criminal activities.
CP Orutugu assured that anyone found culpable will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law. He further urged parents, guardians, and members of the public to refrain from engaging children in hazardous labour or exposing them to the dangers associated with street hawking.
The police command encouraged residents to report cases of child abuse, trafficking, exploitation, or neglect to the nearest police station or through the command's emergency channels. The command further stated that it remains committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other relevant stakeholders to protect the rights of children, ensure justice for victims, and strengthen measures against child exploitation across the state.
The latest crackdown is part of a broader effort by the Anambra State Government and security agencies to curb the rising incidence of child trafficking and exploitation in the state, which has seen a series of similar operations in recent years.
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