By Oso Abidemi
The Anambra State Police Command has dismantled a suspected child trafficking operation in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, rescuing 33 underage girls from a compound allegedly used for illicit activities.
The raid, carried out on January 7 by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu, followed investigations into cases of kidnapping, abduction and missing children.
Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said three of the rescued girls were abducted in Ebonyi State on September 26, 2025.
Ikenga identified the girls as Divine Mbam, 14; Nwagu Favour, 15; and Oke Blessing, 18, noting that the operation was triggered by a distress report from their relatives after information emerged that they had been sighted at Emma Pigin Road, Aguleri.
A 37-year-old woman, Ifeoma Success Anthony, was arrested at the scene, while the owner of the building, Mrs Ngozi Nnanyelugo, 45, is currently on the run. Preliminary investigations linked the premises to child trafficking and prostitution.
Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects and uncover the full extent of the operation.
The command urged the public to provide useful information, reaffirming its commitment to protecting vulnerable children and dismantling trafficking networks.
