Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command, attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, have rescued 33 underage girls from a suspected child trafficking syndicate operating in the state.
The police described the operation as a major breakthrough in an ongoing investigation into cases of kidnapping, abduction, missing children, and suspected child trafficking.
Naija News reports that during the operation, a 37-year-old woman, identified as Ifeoma Success Anthony, was arrested in connection with the crime.
According to the police, the successful rescue followed a distress call received through the Command’s Control Room from relatives of three victims, Divine Mbam (14), Nwagu Favour (15), and Oke Blessing (18).
The victims were said to have been abducted on September 26, 2025, in Ebonyi State and taken to an unknown location.
The police later traced the girls to Emma Pigin Road, Aguleri, in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, where they were found alongside several other underage girls.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said preliminary investigations revealed that the building where the victims were kept was allegedly being used for child trafficking and prostitution.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the building where the victims were kept was allegedly being used for child trafficking and prostitution,” Ikenga stated.
He disclosed that the property is reportedly owned by a 45-year-old woman, identified as Ngozi Nnanyelugo, who is currently at large.
Ikenga said the Command has launched a manhunt for the suspected owner of the building and other accomplices linked to the crime.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the principal suspect, while investigations continue to determine the full extent of the crime and identify other accomplices,” the police spokesman said.
The PPRO reiterated the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command to safeguarding lives and property, particularly vulnerable children, across the state.
He also urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to support ongoing investigations and help dismantle criminal networks involved in child trafficking.
