Anambra OCHA Brigade Rescues Missing Enugu Teen in Onitsha

A 17-year-old boy, Sunday Aniwachukwu, who had been declared missing in Enugu State, was found by operatives of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) near the bridgehead area in Onitsha.

Aniwachukwu, a native of Ikerefi-Igbanoacha in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, was discovered wandering barefoot around the River Niger bridge on Tuesday by patrolling OCHA personnel. The boy, who reportedly fled from home several days earlier, was identified during an on-the-spot interrogation by the operatives.

Ejike Odife, Onitsha Unit Coordinator of the OCHA Brigade, said the teenager was exhibiting abnormal behavior when officers spotted him. He was taken into protective custody for his safety, and his family was contacted. On Friday, Aniwachukwu was formally handed over to his relatives at the OCHA office in Onitsha.

Odife praised the Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, Celestine Anere, for the continuous training of officers in intelligence and security operations. He also advised parents to be vigilant about their children’s whereabouts and daily activities.

The boy’s mother, Monica Aniwachukwu, expressed her gratitude to the Brigade, revealing that her son had escaped from a spiritual healing center in their community where he was receiving treatment for mental health challenges. She said the illness began in November 2024 while the family was living in Ondo State.

The family was visibly relieved and thankful to have their son back safe.