Anambra Police Bust Child Trafficking Gang, Arrest Six People

The police in Anambra State have caught six people for their alleged involvement in child labour, street hawking, human trafficking, and other forms of child exploitation across the state.

The suspects were arrested after officials from the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare raided a suspected child trafficking operation in Nnewi.

On Monday, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police, confirmed the arrests. He said the suspects were handed over to the police for further profiling, identification, and investigation.

Ikenga stated that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to fight child labour, street hawking, human trafficking, and other forms of child exploitation in the state.

The statement mentioned: "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. This is part of ongoing efforts to combat child labour, street hawking, human trafficking, and other forms of child exploitation in the State."

It continued: "The individuals include twenty-nine rescued children and young persons, along with the six suspects: Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma, and Moses Anyingo. They were arrested in Nnewi for their alleged roles in this exploitation. They were handed over to the Command for profiling, identification, and investigations."

The exercise aims to confirm their identities, understand how they became involved, and ensure the victims can reunite with their families and home states where possible. This will be done with the help of relevant government agencies and child protection groups.

Ikenga assured residents that the police are committed to working with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other important groups to protect children's rights, deliver justice for victims, and strengthen efforts against child exploitation in the state.

He also noted that the Commissioner of Police for Anambra, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has stressed the Command’s determination to protect children and other vulnerable people from all forms of abuse and exploitation.

"The CP highlighted that child labour and street hawking put children at serious risk, including trafficking, abuse, neglect, and other criminal activities. He assured that anyone found guilty will face investigation and prosecution according to the law."

The police also urged parents, guardians, and the public to stop putting children in dangerous jobs or exposing them to the risks of street hawking.

The Command encouraged residents to report any cases of child abuse, trafficking, exploitation, or neglect to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers.