The Anambra State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a suspected child trafficking syndicate, arresting one female suspect and rescuing 33 underage girls from a residential building in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area.
Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, made the breakthrough on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, following a distress report received through the Command’s Control Room regarding the abduction and disappearance of children.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the operation led to the arrest of a 37-year-old woman identified as Ifeoma Success Anthony and the recovery of 33 girls believed to be minors.
“This achievement is part of an ongoing investigation into cases of kidnapping, abduction, missing children and child trafficking within and outside the state,” Ikenga said.
He explained that the intervention was triggered by a report from relatives of three abducted children — Divine Mbam (14), Nwagu Favour (15), and Oke Blessing (18) — who were allegedly kidnapped in Ebonyi State on September 26, 2025.
“The victims’ relatives alerted the Command after sighting the girls at Emma Pigin Road, Aguleri, which prompted the swift response by our operatives,” the police spokesman stated.
Preliminary investigations, according to Ikenga, revealed that the building where the girls were found is allegedly being used for child trafficking and prostitution.
“The property is believed to be owned by one Mrs. Ngozi Nnanyelugo, a 45-year-old female, who is currently at large,” he disclosed.
The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the principal suspect and other members of the syndicate, while investigations continue to determine the full scope of the alleged criminal operation.
Ikenga assured that further updates would be communicated as the investigation progresses, reiterating the Command’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable persons, especially children.
“The Anambra State Police Command remains resolute in protecting lives and property and calls on members of the public to continue to provide useful and timely information to assist ongoing investigations,” he added.
