The Anambra State Police Command has uncovered an alleged child trafficking operation in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, rescuing 33 underage girls from a compound believed to be used for illicit activities.
It was said that the raid was carried out on Tuesday by officers of the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu, following intelligence gathered during investigations into cases of kidnapping, abduction and missing children across the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said three of the rescued girls had been abducted in Ebonyi State on 26 September 2025.
“Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu on January 7, 2026, recorded a breakthrough in an ongoing investigation involving a case of kidnapping, abduction, missing children and child trafficking,” he said.
Ikenga identified the arrested suspect as Ifeoma Success Anthony, aged 37.
According to the police, the operation was triggered by a distress report from relatives of three missing girls who had received information that the victims had been sighted at Emma Pigin Road in Aguleri.
The girls were identified as Divine Mbam, 14; Nwagu Favour, 15; and Oke Blessing, 18.
Preliminary findings, the police said, suggest that the building where the girls were found is linked to child trafficking and prostitution.
The property is allegedly owned by a 45-year-old woman, Mrs Ngozi Nnanyelugo, who is currently at large.
“Efforts are ongoing to arrest the principal suspect, while investigations continue to determine the full extent of the crime and identify other accomplices,” Ikenga added.
The police reiterated their commitment to safeguarding children and appealed to members of the public to provide information that could assist the investigation.
The latest operation comes less than three months after a similar case in the same local government area, according to reports.
On 29 October 2025, the command rescued a newborn baby girl and arrested four women in Ifite-Awkuzu over alleged conspiracy and child trafficking, following what police described as credible intelligence.
Ikenga maintained the command remains focused on dismantling networks involved in the exploitation of children and urged continued cooperation from the public.
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