Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: L.Imafidon
A man identified as Sunday Onome has been arrested by Nigerian police after allegedly confessing to involvement in child trafficking activities, including the sale of a friend’s child for N1.3 million, authorities have said.
The suspect was apprehended in Onitsha, Anambra State, during a coordinated operation carried out by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Unit and the Vicious Crime Response Unit (VCRU). Police said the raid also led to the rescue of two children believed to have been victims of an ongoing trafficking network operating across multiple states.
According to investigators, the arrest took place in early July 2026 after intelligence indicated that a group was planning to move minors through organised channels involving handlers in different locations. Officers reportedly intercepted the suspects before the children could be transferred to other members of the alleged network.
Police sources said Onome, who previously worked as a private driver, admitted during questioning that he had been involved in multiple trafficking operations. He allegedly told investigators that he received a total of N3.6 million from two separate incidents linked to the illegal trade.
In his alleged confession, Onome said one of the transactions involved the child of a close friend, whom he handed over to members of the suspected trafficking group in exchange for N1.3 million. He reportedly said financial hardship after losing his job contributed to his involvement in the criminal activity.
Investigators also said the suspect described how he became further embedded in the network after entering a relationship with a woman who allegedly assisted in coordinating logistics for the movement of children. Police have not independently verified these claims, but say they form part of ongoing investigations into the structure of the alleged syndicate.
According to the suspect’s account, later operations involved transporting children across state boundaries based on instructions communicated by phone, with payments allegedly made directly into his bank account after each assignment. Authorities say they are examining financial records as part of efforts to trace possible accomplices.
Police further alleged that Onome claimed his girlfriend played an active role in organising movements within the network, while also stating that his son assisted in transporting children to designated locations before they were handed over to other individuals. These claims are being treated cautiously as investigators work to confirm their accuracy.
During the operation that led to his arrest, police said the suspect was found in a hotel in Onitsha with two children while awaiting contact from individuals expected to receive them. Officers reportedly moved in after tracking his movements, preventing what they described as a possible transfer of the minors.
The rescued children have since been placed under protective care while authorities work to locate their families and determine how they were recruited into the alleged trafficking chain. Police say safeguarding the victims remains a priority as investigations continue.
The Nigeria Police Force has described the case as part of an intensified crackdown on child trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable families and use cross-border routes to move victims. Officials say such groups increasingly rely on informal connections and personal trust to recruit both victims and facilitators.
Authorities added that preliminary findings suggest the existence of a wider network operating across several states, though the full scale remains under investigation. Efforts are ongoing to identify other suspects and dismantle any organised structure linked to the case.
Police stressed that all individuals connected to the allegations remain under investigation and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court, while forensic and digital evidence is being reviewed to corroborate statements made by the suspect.
Child protection agencies have long warned that Nigeria remains vulnerable to trafficking syndicates that target children for exploitation, forced labour, and illegal adoption, often taking advantage of poverty, unemployment, and weak community safeguards.
Security officials say collaboration between intelligence units and tactical response teams has led to increased detection of such crimes in recent months, but acknowledge that trafficking networks continue to adapt their methods to evade arrest.
Community leaders in affected areas have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements involving children, particularly in hotels, transit hubs, and inter-state transport routes.
As investigations deepen, authorities say they are focusing on uncovering the financial channels, communication links, and potential collaborators behind the alleged network, while also ensuring that rescued victims receive psychological and social support.
The case has drawn renewed attention to child safety concerns in urban centres like Onitsha, a major commercial hub where police say traffickers often attempt to blend into busy transport and trading environments.
Officials say further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and additional suspects are identified.
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