Police Bust Child Trafficking Syndicate, Arrest One Suspect & Recover Thirty-three Underaged Girls

Posted on January 8, 2026

CHUKA UBAH

Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu on Wednesday 7th January, 2026, recorded breakthrough in an ongoing investigation involving a case of kidnapping, abduction, missing children and child trafficking. The Operatives arrested a female suspect, one Ifeoma Success Anthony, aged 37 years and rescued 33 (thirty-three) underaged girls in a house at Awkuzu.

According to the PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, this feat follows a distress report received through the Police Command Control Room from the victim’s relatives on how their three children: Divine Mbam (Female), 14 years, Nwagu Favour (Female), 15 years, and Oke Blessing (Female), 18 years respectively, who were abducted since 26th September, 2025, in Ebonyi State, and taken to an unknown location were sighted at Emma Pigin Road, Aguleri.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the building where the girls were, is allegedly used for child trafficking and prostitution and owned by one Mrs. Ngozi Nnanyelugo (Female), aged 45 years, who is currently at large.”

“Meanwhile, efforts are currently ongoing to arrest the principal suspect, while investigations continue to determine the full extent of the crime and identify other accomplices. Further developments will be communicated in due course.”

“The Anambra State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives, especially vulnerable children, and urges members of the public to continue providing useful information to aid ongoing investigations.”