2 children kidnapped in Ebonyi rescued as Anambra Agency arrests suspected trafficker

By Kenechukwu Ofomah, Awka

Residents of Umuezeokoha community in Ebonyi State have erupted in jubilation following the rescue of two of their kidnapped children by the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA).

The victims, aged 3 and 5, were reportedly abducted from Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and taken to Anambra by a suspected child trafficker identified as Sunday Nonye.

It was gathered that SASA operatives, acting on intelligence, tracked the suspect to a hotel in Nkpor, where he was allegedly waiting to sell the children.
He was eventually arrested during the operation, and the children were safely recovered.

The suspect was initially taken to the SASA office in Upper Iweka, Onitsha, before being handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Awka for further investigation.

The Director of SASA, Chief Monday Nwokoye, confirmed the development in a chat with our correspondent, stating that the rescued children have since been reunited with their parents in Ebonyi State.
According to him, preliminary investigations suggest the suspect may be linked to a wider child trafficking network, with alleged activities spanning multiple states, including Rivers, Lagos, Oyo, and Edo.

He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate, including a suspect identified as a medical worker in Nnewi.

Nwokoye commended the support of the Anambra State Government under Governor Soludo, noting that improved security coordination has strengthened the squad’s operations.

Meanwhile, a viral video circulating online shows residents of Umuezeokoha celebrating the safe return of the children.

Authorities have assured the public of continued efforts to combat child trafficking and related crimes in the region.