The Anambra State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a major interstate child-stealing, abduction, and trafficking syndicate operating out of Uruagu in Nnewi North Local Government Area.
According to a statement released on Thursday, the syndicate had been under investigation for several weeks following multiple reports of missing children across the region. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Special Anti-Child Trafficking Unit raided a compound in Uruagu, leading to the rescue of several abducted children and the arrest of key members of the syndicate.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the group had been involved in the illegal trafficking of children across state borders for adoption, exploitation, and other criminal purposes. The identities of the rescued children are currently being verified, and efforts are underway to reunite them with their families.
Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, confirmed the operation and reiterated the command’s commitment to cracking down on all forms of child exploitation and trafficking. He called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
“This operation marks a major step in our ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable children and dismantle criminal networks operating within and beyond the state,” CP Itam said.
Further investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected as police work to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s operations.