Anambra State Government has arrested six suspects for their involvement in child exploitation, following a joint operation that rescued 29 children engaged in street hawking in Nnewi. The suspects, identified as Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma, and Moses Anyingo, were handed over to the Anambra State Police Command for profiling and investigation. The rescue operation was carried out by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Child Welfare on June 29, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to combat child labour, human trafficking, and other forms of child abuse in the state.
The State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that 36 individuals, aged between 6 and 44 years, were received for profiling. Among them were the six suspects and the 29 rescued children. The command stated that the exercise aims to establish the identities of all individuals involved, determine the circumstances of their exploitation, and facilitate reunification with their families or states of origin. This collaborative effort involves relevant government agencies and child protection stakeholders to ensure proper care and legal action.
The Anambra State Police Command emphasized that child labour and street hawking expose children to serious dangers, including trafficking, abuse, neglect, and involvement in criminal activities. Authorities assured that anyone found guilty of exploiting children will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law. The command urged parents, guardians, and the public to avoid engaging children in hazardous work or exposing them to the risks associated with street hawking.
Commissioner of Police for Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reiterated the police’s firm commitment to protecting children and vulnerable persons from all forms of abuse and exploitation. He encouraged residents to report any cases of child abuse, trafficking, neglect, or exploitation to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency channels. The police remain dedicated to working closely with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and other stakeholders to safeguard children’s rights and ensure justice for victims.
The operation highlights the government’s growing focus on child protection and the fight against child exploitation in Anambra State. With continued collaboration between law enforcement and social welfare agencies, authorities aim to create a safer environment for children and reduce the prevalence of child labour and trafficking. This incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and active participation in protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
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