By Obinna Unaeze
Awka, January 7, 2026 – In a significant operation, the Anambra State Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking ring operating from Aguleri in the Anambra East Local Government Area. The raid resulted in the rescue of 33 underage girls and the arrest of one suspect, shedding light on a deeply troubling criminal enterprise.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the breakthrough in a statement issued in Awka. According to Ikenga, operatives from the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu acted on a critical distress call received through the Police Command Control Room.
“The feat was achieved following a distress report from relatives of victims, who sighted their three missing children at Emma Pigin Road, Aguleri,” Ikenga stated.
The initial missing persons were identified as Divine Mbam (14), Favour Nwagu (15), and Blessing Oke (18). Investigations revealed a harrowing timeline: the three girls were allegedly abducted from Ebonyi State on September 26, 2025, and transported to the Aguleri location, a journey highlighting the interstate nature of such trafficking networks.
Upon raiding the premises, police arrested a 37-year-old female suspect, Ifeoma Anthony, and rescued a total of 33 underage girls found on the property. Preliminary investigations point to the facility being used as a hub for child trafficking and prostitution. The building is allegedly owned by a 45-year-old woman, Mrs. Ngozi Nnanyelugo, who is currently at large and is considered the principal suspect.
Understanding the Crime: Beyond the Headlines
While the police operation is a crucial victory, it exposes the grim mechanics of child trafficking in the region. Such syndicates often prey on vulnerable children from unstable socio-economic backgrounds, using deception, coercion, or outright abduction. The victims are typically moved across state lines to disorient them and complicate rescue efforts, making the alertness of the relatives in this case particularly vital.
The alleged dual purpose of the location—for trafficking and prostitution—suggests a multi-layered exploitation model. Traffickers profit first from the sale of the children and then potentially from forcing them into commercial sex work, inflicting profound and lasting physical and psychological trauma.
Ongoing Efforts and Public Role
SP Ikenga emphasized that investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the syndicate’s operations, identify all accomplices, and trace the origins and intended destinations of the rescued girls. The police have pledged to apprehend the fleeing owner of the facility.
This case underscores the critical importance of community vigilance. The police have reiterated their commitment to protecting vulnerable children and urged the public to continue providing timely information. “The Command remains committed to protecting lives, especially vulnerable children,” Ikenga said, encouraging citizens to use official police channels to report suspicious activities.
The rescue of these 33 girls is a stark reminder of the persistent threat of child trafficking and the continuous need for robust law enforcement action combined with proactive community engagement to safeguard the nation’s children.
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
Source: NAN News
