Anambra State Government has arrested six suspects for their involvement in child exploitation.

The Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Child Welfare arrested the suspects alongside 29 children who were rescued after they were caught hawking in Nnewi, Anambra State.

A press release by the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga stated that the suspects and the rescued children were handed over to the police for profiling, while the children will be reunited with their families.

Ikenga said: “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.

“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 command 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.

Also, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from all forms of abuse and exploitation.

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.

The command listed the six suspects to include: Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma and Moses Anyingo. It said they were arrested in Nnewi over links to exploitation by the ministry, before being handed over to the Command to facilitate comprehensive profiling, identification, and investigations.

The Anambra State Police Command said it 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.

A Magistrate Court in Kano has remanded a nursing mother, Jummai Ahmad, in a correctional facility over allegations of conspiracy and the killing of her newborn baby.

The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Haulatu Magaji Kankarofi, ordered the remand after the defendant was arraigned by the police on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.

According to the prosecution, the case was reported to the police by the Village Head of Gama E area, where she resides. Prosecutors alleged that Jummai conspired with her mother to kill the baby she had recently delivered out of wedlock.

Jummai’s mother is currently at large, having reportedly fled before her arrest. The court subsequently ordered that Jummai be remanded in custody pending further proceedings, while efforts continue to apprehend the second suspect.

The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of 24 suspects allegedly linked to cult-related killings, political thuggery and other violent crimes across the state.

Addressing journalists on Monday at the police command headquarters in Osogbo, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace ahead of the governorship and general elections.

CP Gotan, said the Command was fully aware of the recent cult-related killings and acts of thuggery recorded in parts of the state, noting that some of the incidents had been given political undertones. He added that intensified police operations had resulted in the arrest of several suspects believed to be connected with the crimes.

He added that the briefing was aimed at keeping the public informed about the Command’s sustained efforts to combat cultism, political violence and other criminal activities threatening public safety.

The Commissioner disclosed that the Command had arrested 24 suspects during separate operations, identifying them as “Kareem Saheed, also known as “Tanfiani”; Oyeladun Muideen, also known as “Akilapa”; Ridwan Adekola; Mukaila Azeez, also known as “Mikki”; Sunday Friday, also known as “Akube”; Olamilekan Fatai; Tiamiyu Ismail; Famuyiwa Adekunle Toib; and Ajiboye Toheed.”

Others arrested, according to the police, are Morufu Sodiq, Folorunsho Moshood, Hassan Sodiq, Badiru Saheed, Adegoke Olalekan, Faruk Olawale, Iyanuoluwa Sarumi, Afolabi Ahmed, Adeshina Lukman, Mutiu Opeyemi, Olushola Daniel, Abiola Olabode, Azeez Abiodun, Babatunde Kehinde and Dada Mayowa.”

Gotan said the arrests reflected the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and restore confidence among residents, adding that investigations into the suspects’ alleged involvement in violent crimes were continuing.

“I want to reiterate the Command’s commitment to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the forthcoming elections,” the Commissioner said.

Warning cultists, political thugs and other individuals planning to disrupt public peace to abandon such activities or face the full wrath of the law, he stressed that the police would not tolerate acts capable of undermining security in the state.

The police chief also assured law-abiding residents that the Command would continue to prioritise their safety while remaining professional, neutral and non-partisan in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities. 

He pledged that the rule of law would be upheld without fear or favour.