By Sunny A. David, Awka
Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have uncovered and dismantled a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aguleri, Anambra State, rescuing 33 underage girls and arresting one female suspect.
The operation was carried out by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, following a distress report received through the Command Control Room. The alert was raised by relatives of three girls who had been reported missing after being abducted in Ebonyi State.
Police sources disclosed that the missing girls: Divine Mbam (14), Nwagu Favour (15), and Oke Blessing (18) had been unaccounted for since September 26, 2025. Acting on credible intelligence that traced them to a residence on Emma Pigin Road in Aguleri, security operatives swiftly moved in.
During the raid, the Police arrested a 37-year-old woman identified as Ifeoma Success Anthony and rescued a total of 33 underage girls from the premises.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the building was allegedly being used as a centre for child trafficking and prostitution. The property is said to belong to one Mrs. Ngozi Nnanyelugo, aged 45, who is currently on the run. Police say efforts are ongoing to track her down.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed that investigations have been intensified to dismantle the entire criminal network and apprehend other individuals connected to the operation.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and protecting vulnerable children, the Command urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to assist law enforcement agencies.
The police assured that further updates would be made available as investigations progress.