29 Children, Six Suspects Rescued in Anambra as Police Begin Profiling, Reunification

The Anambra State Police Command has received 29 rescued children and young adults, along with six suspects, from the State Ministry of Women Affairs for profiling and possible reunification with their families.

The handover took place on Monday, June 29, 2026, in Awka.

—Ages 6 to 44, Suspects Linked to Exploitation—

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the 29 persons are aged between 6 and 44 years.

The six suspects arrested in Nnewi were identified as: Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma, and Moses Anyingo. Police said they are allegedly linked to the exploitation of the children.

“The suspects have been handed over to the Command to facilitate comprehensive profiling, identification, investigations and possible reunification of the children with their families,” Ikenga stated.

He said the exercise is aimed at establishing the victims’ identities, determining the circumstances of their involvement, and ensuring reunification with their families or respective states of origin where necessary. This will be done in collaboration with relevant government agencies and child protection stakeholders.

—CP Orutugu: Child Labour exposes children to serious risks—

Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from abuse and exploitation.

He said child labour and street hawking expose children to trafficking, abuse, neglect, and other criminal activities, and assured that anyone found culpable will be investigated and prosecuted.

The Command urged parents, guardians, and the public to refrain from engaging children in hazardous labour or street hawking.

Residents were also encouraged to report cases of child abuse, trafficking, exploitation, or neglect to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency channels.

The police said it will continue to work with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other stakeholders to protect children’s rights, ensure justice for victims, and strengthen measures against child exploitation across the state.