The Anambra State Police Command has arrested six suspected child traffickers following a raid on an alleged trafficking and exploitation ring in Nnewi.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, led to the rescue of 29 children and young persons and the arrest of six suspects linked to child labour, street hawking and other forms of exploitation.
Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Monday that the command received 35 persons, aged between six and 44 years, including the six suspects, for profiling and investigation.
The suspects were identified as Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma and Moses Anyingo.
“The individuals, comprising 29 rescued children and young persons and six suspects arrested in Nnewi, were allegedly linked to their exploitation before being handed over to the command for comprehensive profiling, identification and investigations,” Ikenga said.
He noted that the exercise was aimed at establishing the identities of the victims, determining the circumstances surrounding their exploitation and facilitating their reunification with their families and states of origin where necessary.
The police spokesman said the command remained committed to working with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other stakeholders to combat child trafficking and protect vulnerable children across the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, according to the statement, reiterated the command’s resolve to protect children from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
He warned that child labour and street hawking expose minors to trafficking, abuse, neglect and other criminal activities, stressing that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in line with the law.
The police also urged parents and guardians to desist from engaging children in hazardous labour and encouraged residents to report cases of child abuse, trafficking and neglect through the nearest police station or the command’s emergency channels.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
