Police bust child trafficking syndicate in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking syndicate operating from a residential compound in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, rescuing no fewer than 33 underage girls.

The operation followed an ongoing investigation into cases of kidnapping, abduction, missing children, and child trafficking, police authorities said.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, carried out the raid and arrested one suspect during the operation.

According to the statement, three girls who had been abducted since September 26, 2025, in Ebonyi State were identified and rescued during the raid. The victims were listed as Divine Mbam, 14; Nwagu Favour, 15; and Oke Blessing, 18.

Ikenga said the suspect arrested was a 37-year-old woman identified as Ifeoma Success Anthony. He added that preliminary investigations revealed that the building where the girls were found was allegedly being used for child trafficking and prostitution.

Police further identified the owner of the premises as one Mrs Ngozi Nnanyelugo, aged 45, who is currently at large. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend her and other accomplices connected to the alleged syndicate.

“Operatives recorded a breakthrough in an ongoing investigation involving kidnapping, abduction, missing children and child trafficking,” the statement said, adding that investigations were continuing to determine the full extent of the crime.

The police command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly vulnerable children, and urged members of the public to provide useful information that could aid ongoing investigations.

The Anambra State Police Command noted that further developments would be communicated as investigations progress.