Who Was Trafficking These 33 Underage Girls in Anambra? How Police Tracked a Suspected Syndicate, Arrested One Woman, and Launched a Manhunt for the Alleged Ringleader

Who was behind the trafficking of 33 underage girls in Anambra State—and how did police uncover the operation? What role did a single distress call play in exposing what authorities describe as a suspected hub for child trafficking and prostitution? And who is the woman now on the run as investigations widen?

The Anambra State Police Command has announced the rescue of 33 underage girls and the arrest of a 37-year-old woman in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, in what officers say is a major breakthrough against a suspected child-trafficking network. The operation, carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, followed a distress report received through the Command’s Control Room.

According to Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the report came from relatives of three missing girls—14-year-old Divine Mbam, 15-year-old Nwagu Favour, and 18-year-old Oke Blessing—who were allegedly abducted in Ebonyi State in September 2025 and taken to an unknown location. When information later surfaced that the girls had been sighted at a building along Emma Pigin Road in Aguleri, police moved swiftly.

What did officers find at the location? Upon storming the premises, they arrested a woman identified as Ifeoma Success Anthony and rescued a total of 33 underage girls. Preliminary investigations, the police said, indicate that the property was allegedly being used as a hub for child trafficking and prostitution—raising urgent questions about how long the operation had been running and how many victims may have passed through it.

Who is believed to be behind the operation? Police revealed that the building is allegedly owned by a 45-year-old woman, Mrs. Ngozi Nnanyelugo, who is currently at large. Authorities say efforts are underway to locate and arrest her, while investigators work to determine the full scope of the alleged crimes and identify any accomplices.

What happens to the rescued girls? The police confirmed that all victims have been placed in protective custody, where they will receive care and undergo welfare interventions pending the outcome of investigations. Officials also assured the public of the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children and dismantling networks that profit from their exploitation.

As the manhunt continues, critical questions remain: how extensive is this trafficking network, who else may be involved, and will the arrests lead to a broader crackdown on child exploitation across the region? For now, the rescue of 33 girls marks a significant step—but one that underscores the urgent need for vigilance, community reporting, and sustained law-enforcement action against child trafficking in Nigeria.

Terrorists Abduct Newly Married Kogi Man Days After Wedding on Abuja–Lokoja Highway, Wife Escapes as Insecurity Worsens

Terrorists have abducted a newly married man from Kogi State just days after his wedding while traveling along the Abuja–Lokoja highway, a route increasingly plagued by kidnappings and violent attacks. The incident occurred on January 1, 2026, around Kotokerefe community, when the victim was journeying from Inye in Ankpa Local Government Area to Abuja with his wife and a friend.

Sources disclosed that the attackers intercepted their vehicle and forced it to stop, seizing the man while his wife and companion managed to escape and later raised the alarm. The victim reportedly got married on December 29, 2025, and was heading to Abuja shortly after the ceremony when he was abducted.

As of the time of reporting, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement, and it remains unclear whether the abductors have contacted the victim’s family to demand a ransom. The abduction comes amid escalating insecurity in Kogi State, following a separate terrorist attack on Idofin community in Yagba East Local Government Area on January 3, 2026, which left one person dead and another seriously injured.

Bandits Attack Idofin Community In Kogi State, Kill One Resident, Injure Another As Fear Grows Over Rising Insecurity In Yagba East

Bandits have attacked Idofin community in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing one person and seriously injuring another in a fresh wave of insecurity in the area. The attack occurred between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, according to information gathered by SaharaReporters.

The deceased was identified as a Tiv man, while another indigene of the community sustained severe injuries during the assault. A local platform, Egbe Mekun, reported that the injured victim was later evacuated by military personnel and taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

As of the time of filing the report, neither the Kogi State Government nor the Nigerian Police had issued an official statement on the incident. Residents have continued to express fear and frustration over repeated attacks in Yagba East and neighbouring communities, urging the state government and security agencies to urgently strengthen security to prevent further loss of lives.

The attack adds to growing concerns over insecurity in Kogi State, following a recent incident in Ayetoro-Kiri community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, where three abducted residents reportedly died despite the payment of ransom. While seven abductees were eventually released, several others were hospitalised, and about 30 residents were said to remain in captivity.

Community leaders have accused authorities of failing to take decisive action against the perpetrators, alleging that peaceful protesters demanding security and justice were instead tear-gassed and arrested. The latest attack in Idofin has further heightened calls for urgent government intervention to protect lives and restore peace in affected communities.

After Tinubu, I Am the Most Ab¥sed Politician in Nigeria — Wike Sets January 2026 Timeline for Rivers Politics

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described himself as the most ab¥sed politician in Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu, while declaring that political activities in Rivers State will officially begin in January 2026.

He spoke on Saturday at a thanksgiving service organised by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, in Ochiba community, Ahoada East Local Government Area.

The former Rivers State governor reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu, stressing that he does not renege on agreements and remains committed to political decisions taken in good faith. He also thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ahoada West for their steadfast support over the years.

Recalling the 2023 general elections, Wike praised residents for standing firm in support of Tinubu at a time many politicians were uncertain, noting that their resolve helped strengthen the President’s mandate in Rivers State.

He appeared to criticise politicians who recently aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting their support came too late. Wike emphasised the importance of honouring political agreements, warning that his camp would not be taken for granted as the next political cycle approaches. He added that frequent att@cks against him stem from his insistence on accountability and adherence to agreements, alleging that some politicians abuse him for personal gain.

Earlier, Chibudom Nwuche commended Wike for his developmental contributions to the Ekpeye Kingdom, particularly the elevation of several traditional stools during his tenure as governor. He said Wike’s leadership positively impacted the people, earning him enduring loyalty across the area.

Breaking News: Bandits Attack and Kidnap Residents in Jege Community, Yagba East LGA, Kogi State Amid Rising Insecurity and Fear

On the night of December 15, 2025, Jege Community in Yagba East Local Government Area, Kogi State, was thrown into panic following a violent attack by bandits. Several residents were abducted under the cover of darkness, heightening fears over growing insecurity in the region. Local sources reported that the attackers also targeted the elder brother of the Chairman of Yagba West LGA earlier the same day. This incident follows other recent kidnappings and attacks in Kogi, including the abduction of worshippers from the First ECWA Church in Kabba/Bunu LGA. Residents are calling for urgent security interventions to prevent further violence.

B@ndits Abd¥ct Four Travellers in Broad Daylight in Kogi’s Yagba East

B@ndits on Sunday afternoon, December 7, 2025, launched yet another v+olent attack along the Odo-Ogbe axis in the Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, abd¥cting four travellers in broad daylight. The incident, which reportedly occurred around 2:00pm has further heightened fear in the area, already plagued by a surge in k+dnappings and armed raids..

Former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano is very much alive & in good health, despite viral social media claims alleging that he had died.

Commissioner for Information, C. Don Adinuba, debunked the rumours on Friday, calling them false, misleading & deliberately mischievous.

Adinuba revealed that he had spoken directly with Obiano, confirming that the ex-governor is “hale & hearty” & currently living in the United States not the United Kingdom as falsely reported.

“Obiano has never lived in the United Kingdom. He resides in the United States of America. I just spoke with him now,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to dismiss the fabricated report, warning that such reckless misinformation could cause unnecessary panic for Obiano’s family, associates & the people of Anambra State.

Obiano who governed Anambra State from 2014 to 2022 after succeeding Peter Obi, was born on August 8, 1955 & hails from Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area.

Kidnapped Lawyer, Sister Released In Edo.

A newly called-to-bar lawyer, Peace Onyesom Udoka, and her sister, Gift Onyesom, who were kidnapped while returning from the Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja, have been released and are currently at a village near Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State.

This was disclosed by activist Harrison Gwamnishu in his Facebook post on Tuesday.

The sisters were abducted along the Abuja-Benin route, around Lokoja, Kogi State, on September 26, 2025.

The highway is known for frequent kidnappings.

Udoka, a graduate of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and the Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus, was last in contact with her family around 12 p.m. on Friday.

The kidnappers had demanded a N40m ransom for their release, later reducing it to N20m per person.

The release of the sisters comes after intense pressure and appeals from their family, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and activists like Harrison Gwamnishu, who had called on the Edo State Governor and security agencies to intervene.

Also, her release coincides with her birthday, according to the activist.

“FREEDOM ON HER BIRTHDAY. Peace Onyesom Udoka and Gift Onyesom kidnapped while returning from Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja have just been released to us at a village near Okpella.
It’s a tough journey. Details later today or tomorrow morning,” he posted.

Officers Shot Dead As Gunmen Raid Police Checkpoints In Kogi.

Police officers and a passerby were shot dead at a checkpoint in Abugi village, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Sunday morning.

The gunmen later struck at a checkpoint along Ilafin Road, Isanlu in Yagba East Local Government, killing another two police officers.

According to reports from the Abugi community, the gunmen, riding on a motorcycle, stormed the police checkpoint around 10:30am and opened fire on the security operatives, killing them instantly.

Also, a young man whose identity is yet to be established was reportedly caught in the crossfire.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the armed men shot sporadically to ward off any counterattack before seizing the policemen’s rifles and escaping to an unknown location.

A village resident, Danlami Nasir, said, “The gunmen rode on motorcycles towards the location of the police checkpoint in the village along Abugi-Gugurugi road in the morning. Suddenly, we started hearing the sound of gunfire in that direction.

“Many residents hid in a safer place to avoid being hit by stray bullets. Unfortunately, when the gunfire died down, two police officers were spotted dead at the scene of the incident, while another man in mufti was found dead.”

At Isanlu, the locals disclosed that the incident happened around 11am on Sunday when the two policemen attached to MOPOL 70 came under fire

Gunmen Kill Three Police Officers, Steal Rifles In Separate Attacks In Kogi.
In the first incident, around 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, about 20 armed hoodlums ambushed officers of the 70 PMF Kabba, attached to the Isanlu Area Command, at their patrol point along Ilafin-Odogbe Road in Yagba East Local Government Area.
Kogi State has witnessed two deadly attacks on police personnel, resulting in the deaths of three officers and the theft of firearms, the state police command confirmed on Sunday.

In the first incident, around 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, about 20 armed hoodlums ambushed officers of the 70 PMF Kabba, attached to the Isanlu Area Command, at their patrol point along Ilafin-Odogbe Road in Yagba East Local Government Area.

According to the incident report, during the attack, ASP Umar Suleman (F/No. 518320) and CPL Bitrus Isaac were shot dead.

Owner killed as hotel under construction collapse in Edo.

A hotel under construction at the Idumoza Community in Uromi, Esan North East local government area of Edo State, has collapsed, killing its owner identified as Andrew Isesere.

LEADERSHIP gathered that over 20 workers at the site narrowly escaped death by whiskers when the building crumbled.
The remains of the deceased owner was pulled out of the rubble on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the building collapsed last Friday while the owner was inside.

Neighbours who spoke to journalists said they cautioned the owner during construction about the quality of materials used for the construction.

One of the neighbours, Andrew Inegbebor said, “The owner was told that he was using low quality materials. He used 12mm instead of 16mm rods for the pillars. There was no base basket at the pillars. Look at the result.

“The building collapsed because of substandard materials that were used. There was no engineer on site. The dead owner supervised the house. The house later collapsed and killed the owner but some workers escaped.”

Spokesman of Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu said he was yet to be briefed on the incident when contacted.

Withdraw threat to Peter Obi or face legal action – Falana warns Gov Okpebholo.

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Femi Falana, has called on Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State to immediately retract recent threats made against the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
Falana’s reaction followed remarks attributed to the governor during a political rally in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, where he reportedly warned that Obi must not enter Edo State without prior notification or security clearance.

The governor said: “There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”

In a statement released on Sunday, Falana condemned the governor’s comments, describing them as a direct violation of fundamental rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments.

“The threat to Mr Peter Obi’s life by the so-called ‘new sheriff in town’ contravenes Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which guarantee the right to life,” Falana stated.

He emphasized that under Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, the security and welfare of citizens remain the primary responsibility of government, urging Governor Okpebholo to publicly retract the threat, issue an apology to Obi, and affirm his safety within Edo State.

Falana also advised that if the governor fails to withdraw the statement, Obi should seek legal redress by filing a suit at the Federal High Court in Benin to enforce his fundamental rights.

“Mr Obi should act with utmost urgency in view of the prevalence of mob justice and other forms of extrajudicial killings in the country,” he said.

GistCult Leaders Arrested As Security Operatives Raid More Hideouts In Benin.

A special security team in Edo State on Wednesday continued its operations across Benin City, arresting several suspected cult leaders and criminals.

Naija News reports that the operation is part of an ongoing effort by the Edo State government to tackle violent crime and restore safety in the state.

The security outfit, known as Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists, was launched by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The team is made up of soldiers, police officers, civil defence personnel, hunters, vigilantes, and former cult members, all working together to remove criminals from the streets of Benin City.

During the raid, security personnel targeted known hotspots in areas such as Obe Community along Sapele Road, Iyowa Community, Evbonika, and Azuwa village in Ovia North-East Local Government Area.

Acting on intelligence, the operatives stormed a compound in Azuwa and made arrests.

At Evbonika, they searched a building believed to be used for cult meetings and questioned the property owner.

The team also carried out an operation at a hotel located along Power Line, off First Ugbor in the Government Reserved Area (GRA), where they arrested more suspects and seized items linked to criminal activities.

Naija News reports that Governor Okpebholo approved the formation of the squad earlier this year as part of his plan to ensure law and order across the state.

He has warned that the state government will not allow criminal groups to operate freely or threaten peace and development.

The administration has tasked the security team with carrying out its duties with discipline, transparency, and involvement of the local communities, as they push forward in their mission to make Edo a safer place

Edo School In Ruins Despite N500Million Fund For Zonal Intervention Projects. A civic technology platform, Monitng, has described the situation as shocking and unacceptable, questioning how such significant funding has failed to deliver a safe learning environment for students and teachers.

St. James Grammar School in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, remains in a state of severe disrepair despite the allocation of about N500 million for schools under the 2024 Zonal Intervention Projects.

A civic technology platform, Monitng, has described the situation as shocking and unacceptable, questioning how such significant funding has failed to deliver a safe learning environment for students and teachers.

Monitng urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to take urgent action after revealing the shocking state of St. James Grammar School in Afuze.


“Dear Governor Monday Okpebholo, our team visited St. James Grammar School in Afuze, Owan East LGA, Edo State, and what we encountered was truly shocking,” the group said.

Monitng reported that the entire blocks of classrooms are in terrible condition and urgently require repairs to ensure the safety of pupils and teachers.

The organisation also alleged that despite billions of naira allocated to the state’s education sector under former Governor Obaseki, including funds from the EdoBEST programme, the school has yet to benefit from any renovation work.

It described classrooms with collapsing ceilings, leaking roofs, and cracked floors, posing serious hazards to everyone who uses them.

“The ceilings are collapsing, roofs are leaking, and the floors are cracked and unsafe for students and teachers,” it said.

Tension In Edo As Youths Protest Killings, Kidnappings Under Okpebholo’s.

Residents of Agenebode, the headquarters of Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, trooped out on Monday to protest against what they described as daily killings and kidnappings allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen in their communities.

Naija News understands that the protest grounded commercial activities in the communities as the youths asked Governor Monday Okpebholo to act swiftly.

on the state leader and federal lawmakers to urgently intervene to halt what they termed an “ongoing ethnic cleansing.”

Shops, stalls, and businesses were shut down as residents joined the youth in a show of solidarity.

Some of the placards targeted top political figures from the area, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Minister Abubakar Momoh, and Hon. Sunday Dekere Anamero, accusing them of turning a blind eye while their people suffer.

“Oshiomhole, you’re busy in Port Harcourt with NDDC while your people are dying in Etsako East!” one placard read.

Naija News learnt that the protest, which began in the early hours of Monday, saw peaceful processions through Agenebode Market Road, Bode Ivioghe Road, and the Local Government Secretariat. Protesters sang, chanted, and demanded immediate government intervention to restore security.

In an unusual turn, local government workers were forced to vacate their offices at the Secretariat and join the demonstration, citing fears of being the next victims.

“We can no longer go to work with peace of mind. The fear of being kidnapped is real,” one council staff member told reporters.

Chief Imam Abducted After Prayers In Edo, Suspected Kidnappers Contact Family For ₦30M Ransom.

According to a report by Daily Trust on Monday, July 14,2025,gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly abducted the Chief Imam of Uromi, Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Reports claimed that the kidnappers have contacted his family to demand a ransom of N30 million for his release.

Sheikh Muhammad, who is also the President of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) for Edo and Delta states, was said to have been kidnapped around 2 p.m on Wednesday in the Angle 90 area of Uromi.

Sources said he had just finished prayers and went out to buy food for his family when the gunmen attacked and took him away near his home.

A family member told Daily Trust that the kidnappers have been in touch with the family to make an outrageous request for N30 million ransom for his release.

The news of his kidnap was announced during early morning prayers, and the incident has caused fear among Muslims in the state.

Many are worried because Sheikh Muhammad is both a respected religious leader and a youth mentor through his work with MSSN.

People are now calling on Governor Monday Okpebholo and security agencies to step in and help rescue him safely.

When asked, the state police spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, said he would respond later, but had not done so as of the time of the report.

Gunmen kill two passengers, abduct 14 in Edo.

Gunmen killed two travellers on the Fugar-Agenebode Road in Edo State’s Etsako East Local Government Area on Friday.
The terrorists also kidnapped 14 commuters after blocking the road with sporadic bullets.

However, the police rescued the abducted travellers.

According to Moses Yamu, spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, a joint team of Agenebode police officers, local vigilantes, and hunters responded quickly and pursued the perpetrators into the forest.

He claimed that a gunfight broke out between the police and the gunmen on Obe Hill, near the pipeline to Ajaokuta.


Yamu stated that the 14 abducted passengers were rescued alive following the exchange of firearms.

“However, a 12-year-old girl was fatally shot by the fleeing kidnappers, and one female victim remains unaccounted for,” he said.

Gunmen Attack Catholic Seminary In Edo State, Kill NSCDC Officer, Abduct Three Seminarians
Auchi Diocese Condemns Deadly Attack on Seminary, Demands Urgent Rescue of Abducted Students

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has strongly condemned the recent violent attack on the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, calling for immediate government intervention to secure the release of three abducted seminarians.

The attack, which occurred around 9 p.m. on Wednesday night, saw gunmen storm the seminary, killing an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and injuring a local vigilante member, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The Director of Social Communications for the diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, described the incident as “deeply saddening,” noting that this marks the second attack on the seminary within ten months.

“Ten months ago, a priest was kidnapped from this same school. Now, three seminarians have been taken, and a security officer has been killed. We are devastated,” Fr. Egielewa said.

He called on the federal, state, and local governments to rise to their responsibility of protecting Catholic institutions and religious communities in the region.

“We urge the government to act urgently. Our institutions, staff, and students are no longer safe. We demand firm and immediate action to prevent further bloodshed,” he added.

As of the time of reporting, the identities of the abducted seminarians remain undisclosed, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The incident adds to the growing wave of kidnappings and violent attacks targeting religious institutions and schools across Nigeria, prompting fresh calls for decisive security reforms. Despite repeated promises by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to curb these threats, the country continues to grapple with widespread insecurity and rising fear among its citizens.

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Ex-Lawmaker Chinedu Obidigwe Dragged to Court for Allegedly Assaulting Man Who Demanded Accountability During Tenure in Office.

A businessman, Mr. Chinedu Anaukwu, has taken former House of Representatives member, Chinedu Obidigwe, to court over an alleged assault that occurred after Anaukwu questioned the lawmaker’s performance in office.

Obidigwe, who represented Anambra East/West Federal Constituency, was accused of ordering an attack on Anaukwu in 2023, shortly before the general elections. The incident reportedly followed a post by Anaukwu on the Aguleri World Forum WhatsApp group, where he demanded that Obidigwe provide an account of his constituency projects and use of public funds before seeking re-election.

Anaukwu claimed the lawmaker confronted him with over 13 th¥gs and allegedly ordered them to kill him, resulting in a severe beating that left him unconscious.

At the Otuocha High Court in Anambra East Local Government Area on Tuesday, the case came up for pretrial hearing. Counsel to Anaukwu, Chief Gozie Obi, SAN, withdrew charges against the second and fifth defendants—both aides of Obidigwe.

The second defendant was confirmed deceased, while the fifth had not been served court documents. Obi noted that the principal defendant remained Obidigwe, under whose directive the others allegedly acted. Obidigwe was represented in court by his lawyer, Barrister Emmanuel Offoh.

The case was adjourned to November 18 for further pretrial proceedings. Anaukwu is seeking N200 million in compensation and a conviction of the former lawmaker over the assault.

BREAKING: Chinese Expatriate Abducted, Police Officer Killed in Kogi Ambush
A Chinese expatriate has been kidnapped and a Nigerian police officer killed following a deadly ambush by suspected kidnappers in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.

According to a police situation report obtained by SaharaReporters, the incident occurred around 1:22 p.m. on Saturday. The victims were part of a convoy escorting Mr. Gu Xiaowu, a Chinese national working with Rilix Mining Company in Isanlu, when the convoy came under heavy gunfire.

Inspector Adeniyi Ojo of the Counter-Terrorism Unit was fatally shot in the neck during the attack. Despite a swift tactical response from security teams, the attackers managed to escape into the bush with the abducted expatriate.

“Inspector Abubakar Isiaka activated a contingency response team, including personnel from the Isanlu Division and other security agencies,” the report noted. “They swept the area, but the assailants had already fled with the victim.”

Inspector Ojo was rushed to the General Hospital in Isanlu, where he was pronounced dead. His body has been deposited in the hospital morgue.

Recovered at the scene were his rifle (Breach No. 24655) and sixty rounds of live ammunition—fourteen of which had been expended during the firefight.

Born on February 26, 1984, in Akoko South West LGA of Ondo State, Inspector Ojo joined the Nigeria Police Force on March 1, 2008. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Security operations are ongoing to locate and rescue the abducted Chinese national and to track down the perpetrators.