The Anambra State Police Command has uncovered a child trafficking operation in a compound in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, rescuing at least 33 underage girls from the premises.
The breakthrough followed an ongoing investigation into cases of kidnapping, abduction, missing children, and child trafficking, the police confirmed in a statement on Wednesday.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the state police spokesman, revealed that three girls who had been abducted from Ebonyi State on September 26, 2025, were among those rescued.
“Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu on January 7, 2026, recorded a breakthrough in an ongoing investigation involving a case of kidnapping, abduction, missing children and child trafficking,” the statement read.
“The operatives arrested a female suspect, one Ifeoma Success Anthony, aged 37 years, and rescued 33 underaged girls in a house at Awkuzu.
“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 (14 years), Nwagu Favour (15 years), and Oke Blessing (18 years), who were abducted since September 26, 2025, in Ebonyi State, and taken to an unknown location, were sighted at Emma Pigin Road, Aguleri.”
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Preliminary investigations suggest that the building where the girls were found was allegedly being used for child trafficking and prostitution. It is reportedly owned by Mrs Ngozi Nnanyelugo, aged 45, 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 statement added.
SP Ikenga reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command to protecting vulnerable children and urged the public to provide information to assist ongoing investigations.