Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Anambra State Police Command today 29th June 2026 received thirty-six (36) persons, aged between 6 and 44 years, including six (6) suspects, from the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs for profiling as part of ongoing efforts to combat child labour, street hawking, human trafficking, and other forms of child exploitation in the State. This was contained in a statement signed by SP. Ikenga Tochukwu, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, Awka.
The individuals, comprising twenty-nine rescued children/young persons and the six suspects including Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma and Moses Anyingo, arrested in Nnewi, were allegedly linked to their exploitation, before being handed over to the Command to facilitate comprehensive profiling, identification, and investigations. The exercise is aimed at establishing their identities, determining the circumstances surrounding their involvement, and ensuring the possible reunification of the victims with their families and respective states of origin where necessary, in collaboration with relevant government agencies and child protection stakeholders.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips PhD, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from all forms of abuse and exploitation. He emphasised that child labour and street hawking expose children to serious risks, including trafficking, abuse, neglect, and other criminal activities, assuring that anyone found culpable will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Command further urged parents, guardians, and members of the public to refrain from engaging children in hazardous labour or exposing them to the dangers associated with street hawking. He encouraged residents to report cases of child abuse, trafficking, exploitation, or neglect to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency channels.
According to the statement,the Anambra State Police Command remains committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other relevant stakeholders to protect the rights of children, ensure justice for victims, and strengthen measures against child exploitation across the State.
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