The Anambra State Police Command has taken custody of 29 rescued children and young persons, alongside six suspects, as part of ongoing efforts to combat child labour, street hawking, human trafficking and other forms of child exploitation across the state.
The victims and suspects were handed over to the Command on Monday by the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs for profiling, investigation and possible reunification of the rescued children with their families.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command said the exercise formed part of a collaborative initiative to dismantle child exploitation networks and safeguard vulnerable children.
According to the statement, the individuals handed over comprised 29 rescued children and young persons, aged between six and 44 years, as well as six suspects identified as Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma and Moses Anyingo, who were arrested in Nnewi over their alleged involvement in exploiting the victims.
The police said the victims and suspects would undergo comprehensive profiling to establish their identities, determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged exploitation and facilitate the reunification of the rescued children with their families and states of origin where necessary.
“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 statement said.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
He warned that child labour and street hawking expose children to serious dangers, including human trafficking, abuse, neglect and other criminal activities, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
“Child labour and street hawking expose children to serious risks, including trafficking, abuse, neglect, and other criminal activities,” the police commissioner said, assuring that “anyone found culpable will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
The Command also 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.
It encouraged residents to report cases of child abuse, trafficking, exploitation or neglect to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency channels.
The Police Command reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other relevant stakeholders to protect children’s rights, secure justice for victims and strengthen measures against child exploitation across Anambra State.
