By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has recovered a three-year-old girl who was stolen and trafficked across state lines, following an intelligence-driven operation by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Awkuzu. This was disclosed in a press statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to the press release, the recovery was made in the early hours of November 21, 2025, after a case of conspiracy, child stealing, and harbouring was transferred to the RRS from the Ogbaru Police Division, Atani. Acting on sustained intelligence, the operatives located the child at Nnobi in Idemili South Local Government Area, and successfully reunited her with her distraught parents.
The PPRO revealed that preliminary investigations traced the crime to one Miss Chioma Anioma, an apprentice living with the victim’s family. SP Ikenga explained that Chioma allegedly stole the child and transported her to Calabar, Cross River State, where she reportedly sold the victim to another suspect now on the run.
The statement further noted that Chioma fled after realizing the police were closing in on her in Calabar. In a frantic attempt to evade further arrest pressure, she abandoned the child at Nnobi and later contacted the parents to disclose the location where the girl had been dropped.
While confirming the development, SP Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered intensified efforts to track down all individuals involved in the abduction and trafficking syndicate. He assured the public that the Command will not relent until every suspect connected to the crime is arrested and brought to justice.
The PPRO also encouraged residents to remain alert and continue partnering with the Police by providing timely and credible information that would help combat crimes of this nature.
