POLICE DISMANTLE CHILD TRAFFICKING RING IN ANAMBRA, RESCUE 33 UNDERAGE GIRLS.

The Anambra State Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking syndicate operating from a residential compound in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, rescuing at least 33 underage girls.
The operation followed an ongoing investigation into cases of kidnapping, abduction, missing children, and child trafficking. This was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to Ikenga, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, carried out the raid on January 7, 2026, leading to the arrest of one suspect and the rescue of the victims. Among those rescued were three girls abducted from Ebonyi State on September 26, 2025, who had been missing until they were recently sighted at a location along Emma Pigin Road, Aguleri.
The three abducted children were identified as Divine Mbam (14), Nwagu Favour (15), and Oke Blessing (18).
The statement noted that a 37-year-old woman, identified as Ifeoma Success Anthony, was arrested during the operation. Preliminary investigations revealed that the building was allegedly being used for child trafficking and prostitution. The property is said to belong to one Mrs Ngozi Nnanyelugo, 45, who is currently on the run.
Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the principal suspect, while investigations continue to uncover the full scope of the operation and identify other accomplices. Further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
The Anambra State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives, particularly those of vulnerable children, and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support ongoing investigations.
The development comes months after the police, in October 2025, rescued a newborn baby in Ifite-Awkuzu following the arrest of four suspects linked to child trafficking. That operation, also carried out by the Rapid Response Squad based on credible intelligence, led to the rescue of a one-week-old baby girl and the arrest of four female suspects in connection with conspiracy and child trafficking.