By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested three women over their alleged involvement in a child trafficking network operating in the state.
The suspects, identified as Florence Nnakuzie, 45, Hannah Ugah, 52, and Chinasa Daniel, 27, were apprehended by operatives attached to the Awada Divisional Police Headquarters during an operation at the Onitsha Motor Park.
Confirming the arrests, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, described the operation as another significant breakthrough in the command’s ongoing efforts to combat child trafficking and related crimes.
According to Ikenga, preliminary investigations indicate that Chinasa Daniel allegedly brought two children—a two-week-old baby and a four-year-old child—to Hannah Ugah on separate occasions between June and December 2025.
Investigators further allege that the four-year-old child was subsequently handed over to Florence Nnakuzie, who allegedly sold the child for ₦2 million. Police also disclosed that the newborn baby was allegedly sold to another woman who remains at large.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned child trafficking, describing it as a serious violation of human rights and a crime against humanity.
He has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for a thorough investigation. The Commissioner also ordered detectives to intensify efforts to identify and arrest other members of the suspected trafficking syndicate.
In addition, police have commenced operations aimed at locating the trafficked children, rescuing them, and reuniting them with their biological families.
The command commended members of the public whose timely information aided the arrests and appealed to residents to continue providing credible intelligence to support the fight against crime across the state.
Police noted that investigations are ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other suspects connected to the alleged child trafficking ring.
