The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 43-year-old woman, Uche Okoye, for her alleged involvement in a notorious interstate child trafficking syndicate. The arrest took place in Uruagu, Nnewi, a major industrial town in Anambra State, following a coordinated intelligence-driven operation.
According to police sources, the operation, which was conducted on July 15, 2025, was a collaborative effort between operatives of the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Awka, and their from the Adamawa State Police Command. Their joint efforts led to a significant breakthrough in uncovering and dismantling a network responsible for stealing and trafficking young children across state lines.
During the operation, police successfully rescued eleven abducted children—comprising five boys and six girls—between the ages of 3 and 6. Investigations revealed that the children had been abducted from Adamawa State and transported illegally to Anambra, where they were handed over to unsuspecting individuals seeking to adopt.
Spokesperson for the Anambra Police Command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest and rescue in a statement released on Friday. He explained that the suspect, Uche Okoye, played a key role as a conduit in the illicit trafficking operation. The children, he said, were sold to prospective adopters for N1.5 million per boy and N800,000 per girl.
Following their rescue, the children were handed over to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Shuaibu Wara, the leader of the Adamawa Police Command team, to facilitate their safe return and possible reunion with their biological families.
The police also disclosed that ongoing investigations are based on vital information obtained from the suspect, which could lead to the arrest of other members of the criminal syndicate involved in the child trafficking ring.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Uche Orutugu, praised the professionalism and proactive actions of the operatives involved in the operation. He extended special commendation to the Adamawa State Police Command for their swift response and collaboration.
In a firm warning, CP Orutugu urged members of the public—especially individuals and couples interested in adopting children—to ensure they follow legal procedures and conduct due diligence. He cautioned against engaging in backdoor or illegal adoptions, stressing that such actions could lead to criminal prosecution.
The Commissioner also reiterated the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command to support national efforts to eradicate child trafficking and protect vulnerable children across the country.