Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have uncovered a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aguleri, rescuing 33 underage girls and arresting one female suspect.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, by officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, followed intelligence gathered during an ongoing investigation into cases of kidnapping, abduction and missing children across the region.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspect, identified as Ifeoma Success Anthony, 37, was arrested at a residence in Awkuzu where the rescued girls were found.
The breakthrough came after a distress report was received through the Command’s Control Room from relatives of three missing children — Divine Mbam (14), Nwagu Favour (15) and Oke Blessing (18) — who were allegedly abducted on September 26, 2025, in Ebonyi State. The informants reported that the girls had been sighted at Emma Pigin Road, Aguleri.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the building where the girls were kept is allegedly being used as a hub 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 fleeing suspect and unravel the full network behind the operation, including identifying other accomplices involved in the alleged crimes.
The Anambra State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and safeguarding vulnerable children, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information to support ongoing investigations.
Further updates, the police said, will be communicated as investigations progress.
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