The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a six-year-old child stolen from his mother and recovered from an alleged foster parent in Ondo State.
In a statement on Monday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the operation followed an intelligence-led investigation into a child trafficking case.
According to Ikenga, the investigation originated from a case transferred from the Okpoko Police Station to the State CID Gender Unit.
He said, “The Anambra State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its fight against crimes relating to child trafficking and sexual offences.
Sequel to an intelligence-based investigation into a case of conspiracy, child stealing, and trafficking transferred from Okpoko Police Station to the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Gender Unit for discrete investigation, the Operatives swung into action and successfully rescued the 6-year-old victim from an alleged foster parent in Ondo State.
The rescued child has since been reunited with his biological mother, while all the suspects have been charged in the Children, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence Court for diligent prosecution.”
The police also announced the arrest of an 18-year-old, Uchenna Nweke, in Ebenebe community, Awka North LGA, for allegedly defiling an 11-year-old girl.
Ikenga explained, “Similarly, on August 13, 2025, Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, responded to a distress call at Ebenebe Community over a case of defilement of an 11-year-old girl and arrested one Uchenna Nweke ‘M’, aged 18 years.
Preliminary findings revealed that the suspect allegedly forced his way into the bathroom where the victim was bathing and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.
Further revelations from the medical report confirmed the suspect’s culpability. Nevertheless, the case will be charged in court on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, assured residents that the command remains resolute in safeguarding children and other vulnerable groups.
“He has assured the public that offenders of such heinous crimes will face the full weight of the law,” Ikenga added.
