Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
In a significant breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking in southeastern Nigeria, the Anambra State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a suspected child trafficking network, rescuing 33 underage girls from a property in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area. The operation, carried out on 7 January 2026, followed a focused investigation into reported cases of kidnapping, abduction, missing children and suspected child trafficking.
According to a statement issued by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, acted on credible intelligence and a distress report received through the Police Command’s control room from relatives of missing children. The alert had indicated that three girls — Divine Mbam (14), Nwagu Favour (15) and Oke Blessing (18) — who were reportedly abducted in Ebonyi State on 26 September 2025 were sighted in the area.
During the targeted raid on a residential compound on Emma Pigin Road, Aguleri, police arrested a 37‑year‑old woman, Ifeoma Success Anthony, in connection with the operation. Officers found and rescued 33 underage girls believed to have been held by the syndicate, bringing an end to what the police described as a critical strand in an ongoing child trafficking inquiry.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the property where the girls were found was being used for activities linked to child trafficking and prostitution, according to the police. The building is reportedly owned by a 45‑year‑old woman, Ngozi Nnanyelugo, who remains at large. Police have intensified efforts to locate and apprehend her as part of the continuing inquiry into the syndicate’s wider operations.
The rescued girls have been moved into protective care, with police officers working to identify their families and provide appropriate support while the investigation is ongoing. Authorities emphasised that the operation represents a major success in their efforts to protect vulnerable children and bring traffickers to justice.
The command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives, especially those of children, and urged the public to continue providing credible information to assist in ongoing efforts against human trafficking and related crimes. Police reassured residents that efforts to dismantle trafficking networks in the state and surrounding regions would be sustained.
This operation builds on earlier efforts in the region to combat trafficking and exploitation, including past rescues of children and newborns linked to trafficking networks in Anambra State. As inquiries continue, security officials are expected to update the public on further arrests and developments in the case.
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