Child Trafficking: Police Arrest 37 Year-Old Woman, Rescue 33 Underaged Girls in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

A 37-year old woman has been arrested while 33 underaged girls were recovered following busting of child trafficking syndicate by Police in Aguleri in Anambra East local government area of Anambra state.

Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this in a statement said the arrest followed distress report received through the Police Command Control Room from the victim’s relatives.

He said, “Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu today January 7, 2026 recorded breakthrough in an ongoing investigation involving a case of kidnapping, abduction, missing children and child trafficking.

“The Operatives arrested a female suspect, one Ifeoma Success Anthony aged 37 years and rescued 33 (thirty-three) 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 (Female), 14 years, Nwagu Favour (Female), 15 years, and Oke Blessing (Female), 18 years respectively who were abducted since 26th September 2025, in Ebonyi State, and taken to an unknown location were sighted at Emma Pigin Road, Aguleri.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the building where the girls were, is allegedly used for child trafficking and prostitution and owned by one Mrs. Ngozi Nnanyelugo (Female), aged 45 years, 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 Anambra State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives, especially vulnerable children, and urges members of the public to continue providing useful information to aid ongoing investigations.”