The Anambra State Police Command has achieved a major victory against human traffickers, dismantling a syndicate and rescuing thirty-three underage girls from a compound in Awkuzu. This operation, which took place on January 7, 2026, marks a critical breakthrough in a complex investigation into kidnapping and child exploitation.
Raid Uncovers Trafficking Hub in Awkuzu
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives from the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu stormed a premises in the Oyi Local Government Area. During the raid, they discovered and secured the freedom of 33 underage girls who were being held at the location. The police also apprehended a key suspect in connection with the illegal operation.
The suspect was identified as 37-year-old Ifeoma Success Anthony. Her arrest provides a crucial lead for investigators aiming to unravel the full network of the trafficking syndicate. The police action was swift and decisive, preventing the potential further movement or harm of the victims.
Breakthrough Linked to Ebonyi Abduction Case
The successful raid was directly triggered by a distress call to the police command control room. Relatives reported sighting three children, who had been missing since September 26, 2025, at Emma Pigin Road in Aguleri, Anambra State. The children—Divine Mbam (14), Nwagu Favour (15), and Oke Blessing (18)—were originally abducted from Ebonyi State.
This sighting gave police the vital clue needed to locate the syndicate's operational base. The discovery of these three girls among the 33 rescued confirms the cross-state nature of the criminal network, linking cases of abduction and missing persons to a centralized trafficking operation.
Police Reaffirm Commitment to Protecting Children
In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer for Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command highlighted its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the vulnerable. Ikenga emphasized that the operation underscores the police's resolve to combat crimes against children, including kidnapping and trafficking.
The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and continue partnering with security agencies by providing timely and useful information. Such collaboration is seen as essential for disrupting criminal networks and rescuing victims. The investigation remains active as officers work to identify all the rescued girls, reunite them with their families, and pursue other members of the syndicate.
This operation serves as a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in the heinous crime of child trafficking. The Anambra State Police Command has demonstrated its capacity to respond effectively to intelligence and protect the lives and futures of Nigeria's children.
