The Anambra State Police Command has uncovered a child trafficking operation in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, rescuing 33 underage girls from a compound suspected to be used for illegal activities.
The rescue was carried out by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, following investigations into cases of kidnapping, abduction and missing children in the state.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that three of the rescued girls were abducted in Ebonyi State on September 26, 2025. The girls were later found in Anambra during the raid.
According to Ikenga, the operation took place on January 7, 2026, and led to the arrest of one female suspect, identified as Ifeoma Success Anthony, aged 37.
He explained that the raid was triggered by a distress report from relatives of the missing children, who had received information that the girls: Divine Mbam (14), Nwagu Favour (15) and Oke Blessing (18) were seen at Emma Pigin Road, Aguleri.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the building where the girls were found is allegedly linked to child trafficking and prostitution. The property is said to be owned by Mrs Ngozi Nnanyelugo, aged 45, who is currently on the run.
Ikenga said efforts are ongoing to arrest the main suspect and identify other people involved in the operation.
“The police are continuing investigations to determine the full extent of the crime and bring all those responsible to justice,” he stated.
The police also reaffirmed their commitment to protecting vulnerable children and urged members of the public to continue sharing useful information that could support ongoing investigations.
The latest operation comes months after a similar case in October 2025, when the police rescued a newborn baby girl and arrested four women in Ifite-Awkuzu, also in Oyi Local Government Area. That operation, which was also carried out by the Rapid Response Squad, was based on credible intelligence and involved allegations of conspiracy and child trafficking.
According to Ikenga, the Command remains focused on dismantling child trafficking networks and ensuring the safety of children across the state, while encouraging continued cooperation from the public.
