The Anambra State Police Command have uncovered an alleged child trafficking and prostitution syndicate in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, rescuing 33 underage girls and arresting one suspect.
The Command in a statement on Wednesday noted that its operatives executed the operation investigations into cases of kidnapping, abduction, missing children and child trafficking.
The spokesperson of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said a female suspect, identified as Ifeoma Anthony, 37, was arrested at a house located along Emma Pigin Road, Awkuzu, where the underage girls were kept.
According to the police, the operation was triggered by a distress report received through the Command Control Room from relatives of three missing children.
SP Ikenga said the victims: Divine Mbam, 14, Nwagu Favour, 15, and Oke Blessing, 18, were abducted on September 26, in Ebonyi State and taken to an unknown location before being sighted in Aguleri.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the building where the girls were housed is allegedly used for child trafficking and prostitution and is owned by one Ngozi Nnanyelugo, aged 45, who is currently at large,” Ikenga stated.
The Command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the principal suspect and other accomplices linked to the operation.
“Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to arrest the principal suspect, while investigations continue to determine the full extent of the crime and identify other persons involved. Further developments will be communicated in due course,” he added.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and protecting children from exploitation, urging residents to continue assisting security agencies with credible information.
“The Anambra State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives, especially vulnerable children, and calls on members of the public to continue providing useful information to aid ongoing investigations,” the statement noted.
The police added that the rescued girls have been secured, while investigations are ongoing.
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