What began as a desperate search for a missing teenager in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, ended with the arrest of two women allegedly involved in a cross-border trafficking operation.
Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested two female suspects for allegedly trafficking a 16-year-old girl to Ghana. The suspects, identified as Uzoma Nwabueze and Precious Monday, were apprehended by officers attached to the Ozubulu Police Division following what the police described as technology-driven intelligence.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday in Awka by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the arrests were made on the evening of January 26 after a report was received concerning the disappearance of the minor, Miss Oluebube Chukwuma.
Police investigations revealed that the teenager had allegedly been lured out of her home and transported outside the country under false pretences. Acting swiftly on digital intelligence and tracking data, operatives located the suspects and took them into custody, leading to the rescue of the victim.
The police spokesperson said the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation, while efforts are ongoing to unravel the full network behind the alleged trafficking scheme.
Ikenga added that the command remains committed to combating human trafficking and urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, especially concerning the movement and online interactions of minors. The rescued teenager has since been placed under protective care, while investigations continue ahead of prosecution.
