Police Arrest Six, Rescue 29 in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested six suspects over their alleged involvement in child trafficking, child labour, street hawking and other forms of child exploitation following a coordinated operation in Nnewi.

The suspects were apprehended during a joint raid conducted by operatives of the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, after which they were handed over to the police for further investigation.

Confirming the development in a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by the command and relevant government agencies to combat child trafficking and protect vulnerable children across the state.

According to him, the command received a total of 35 persons from the Ministry of Women Affairs on June 29, 2026, including 29 rescued children and young persons as well as six suspects believed to be connected with their alleged exploitation.

"The Anambra State Police Command on June 29, 2026 received 35 persons, aged between six and 44 years, including six suspects, from the Anambra State 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 individuals, comprising twenty-nine rescued children/young persons and the six suspects, namely Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma and Moses Anyingo, arrested in Nnewi, were allegedly linked to their exploitation before being handed over to the command to facilitate comprehensive profiling, identification and investigations," Ikenga stated.

He explained that investigators would establish the identities of all those involved, determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences and work towards reuniting the rescued children with their families and states of origin where necessary.

"The exercise is aimed at establishing their identities, determining the circumstances surrounding their involvement, 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," he added.

Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, had reaffirmed the command's commitment to safeguarding children and other vulnerable persons against abuse, exploitation and trafficking.

According to him, the commissioner warned that child labour and street hawking expose minors to serious dangers, including trafficking, neglect, abuse and other criminal activities, stressing that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

"The CP emphasised that child labour and street hawking expose children to serious risks, including trafficking, abuse, neglect and other criminal activities, assuring that anyone found culpable will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

"The command 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 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 statement added.

The police also reiterated their commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Women Affairs, child protection agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen measures aimed at preventing child exploitation and ensuring justice for victims.

Source: Punch