Anambra Police Bust Child Trafficking Ring, Rescue 33 Underage Girls in Awkuzu

Anambra Police Bust Child Trafficking Ring, Rescue 33 Underage Girls in Awkuzu

No fewer than 33 underage girls have been rescued by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command following the dismantling of a suspected child trafficking syndicate operating from a residential compound in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.

The breakthrough was recorded during an intelligence-led raid carried out by officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, as part of ongoing investigations into kidnapping, abduction, missing children, and child trafficking across the state.

Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the operation led to the arrest of a 37-year-old female suspect, Ifeoma Success Anthony, while dozens of victims were safely rescued.

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According to Ikenga, the operation was triggered by a distress report received through the Police Command Control Room from relatives of three girls kidnapped in Ebonyi State on September 26, 2025. The victims—Divine Mbam (14), Nwagu Favour (15) and Oke Blessing (18)—were reportedly sighted at Emma Pigin Road, Aguleri, leading investigators to the Awkuzu hideout.

He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the house where the girls were kept was allegedly being used for child trafficking and prostitution. The property is said to belong to Mrs. Ngozi Nnanyelugo, aged 45, who is currently on the run.

“Efforts are ongoing to arrest the principal suspect, while investigations continue to determine the full extent of the crime and identify other accomplices,” Ikenga said, adding that further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.

The police spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, especially vulnerable children, and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support security operations.

The latest rescue adds to a series of anti-trafficking operations in the area. On October 29, 2025, the Anambra State Police Command rescued a one-week-old baby girl in Ifite-Awkuzu, following the arrest of four female suspects linked to child trafficking during an early-morning raid by the Rapid Response Squad.

Anambra Police Bust Child Trafficking Ring, Rescue 33 Underage Girls in Awkuzu