The Anambra State Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking syndicate operating from a residential compound in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, rescuing 33 underage girls during a coordinated raid.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, followed an ongoing investigation into cases of kidnapping, abduction, missing children, and child trafficking.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, raided the premises and arrested a 37-year-old female suspect, identified as Ifeoma Success Anthony.
According to the police, three abducted girls from Ebonyi State — Divine Mbam (14), Nwagu Favour (15), and Oke Blessing (18) — who had been missing since September 26, 2025, were among those rescued after they were sighted at Emma Pigin Road, Aguleri, prompting a distress report from their relatives to the Command Control Room.
“Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command recorded a major breakthrough in an ongoing investigation involving kidnapping, abduction, missing children and child trafficking,” Ikenga said.
“During the operation, 33 underaged girls were rescued from the premises, which preliminary investigations revealed is allegedly used for child trafficking and prostitution.”
The police disclosed that the property is allegedly owned by Mrs Ngozi Nnanyelugo, a 45-year-old woman who is currently on the run. Efforts are ongoing to arrest her and other members of the syndicate, while investigations continue to determine the full scope of the criminal operation.
SP Ikenga reassured the public of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives, particularly vulnerable children, and urged residents to continue providing credible information to support ongoing investigations.
Further updates, he said, would be communicated as investigations progress.
