The Anambra State Police Command has successfully recovered a 3-year-old girl who was reportedly stolen and sold to a suspect now at large in Calabar, Cross River State.
The child was rescued in the early hours of 21st November 2025 by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following a case initially handled by Ogbaru Division, Atani, involving conspiracy, child stealing, and harbouring.
According to SP Ikenga Tochukwu, Police Public Relations Officer for the state, the child was safely reunited with her parents after a sustained, intelligence-driven operation.
“The operatives acted swiftly and professionally to ensure the safe recovery of the child at Nnobi, Idemili South LGA,” SP Tochukwu said.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the child was stolen by one Miss Chioma Anioma, an apprentice in the victim’s family. Upon realizing that operatives were closing in, she allegedly escaped arrest in Calabar, where the child had been sold to another suspect who is now on the run.”
Police sources disclosed that in an attempt to evade further pressure, Chioma Anioma abandoned the child at Nnobi before contacting the parents to disclose her location.
The Anambra Police Command emphasized that intensive operations are ongoing to identify, trace, and arrest all suspects connected to the criminal syndicate responsible for the abduction and trafficking of the child.
“The safety and protection of children remain our top priority,” SP Tochukwu added.
“We are determined to bring all perpetrators to justice and prevent similar cases in the future.”
The Anambra State Police Command continues to appeal to members of the public to provide information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects and ensure the safety of vulnerable children.
