The Anambra State Police Command has arrested three women over their alleged involvement in a child trafficking operation, including the sale of a four-year-old boy for N2 million.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday. He identified the suspects as Florence Nnakuzie, 45; Hannah Ugah, 52; and Chinasa Daniel, 27. They were arrested by operatives attached to the Awada Divisional Headquarters during an operation at a motor park in Onitsha.
According to the police, the suspects are believed to be members of a child trafficking syndicate involved in the sale of children to buyers for varying amounts. The arrests followed a raid on their hideouts on Saturday evening. While some members of the syndicate reportedly escaped, police said several children were rescued during the operation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Chinasa Daniel allegedly delivered two children—a two-week-old baby and a four-year-old boy—on separate occasions between June and December 2025 to Hannah Ugah.
The police further alleged that the four-year-old child was later handed over to Florence Nnakuzie, who allegedly sold the boy for N2 million. The two-week-old baby was reportedly sold to another woman who remains at large.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, described child trafficking as a serious violation of human rights and a crime against humanity. He directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for a thorough and discreet investigation.
The commissioner also ordered operatives to intensify efforts to track down other members of the trafficking network and launch coordinated operations to locate, rescue, and reunite the trafficked children with their biological families.
The police commended members of the public whose timely and credible information contributed to the successful operation and encouraged residents to continue providing useful intelligence to support the fight against crime.
