The Anambra State Police Command said its operatives rescued a 15-year-old pregnant girl during a raid in the Achalla area of the state and arrested one suspect in connection with alleged repeated defilement and child exploitation.
The operation, carried out by police operatives attached to Achalla Divisional Police Headquarters on the evening of Wednesday, June 17, 2026, around St. Paul’s Secondary School, Achalla, followed intelligence on the activities of some youths allegedly involved in the use and distribution of crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as Mkpuru Mmiri.
According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the team arrested a suspect identified as Tochukwu Nwora during the raid.
Ikenga said operatives observed a middle-aged man in a compromising situation with the minor at the scene.
“The victim was immediately taken into protective custody,” Ikenga stated, adding, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim had allegedly been repeatedly defiled by several adult males at different times in Nando, Nteje, and Achalla, respectively.
“The investigation further suggests that the suspects exploited her vulnerable condition by giving her a small amount of money.”
The police spokesperson said the rescued girl has been taken to the Police Hospital in Awka for medical examinations and necessary procedures.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikoye Orutugu, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.
The police said the investigation will particularly seek to determine whether the victim’s parent or guardian is culpable in the alleged exploitation.
“The Command condemns all forms of child abuse, exploitation, and violence against minors and reassures the public of its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring justice for victims,” Ikenga stated.
The incident has again thrown a spotlight on the rising cases of child sexual exploitation and abuse in Anambra State and other parts of the country, particularly involving vulnerable minors allegedly lured with drugs and meagre sums of money.
Child rights advocates have repeatedly called for stronger community vigilance and swift prosecution of perpetrators to serve as a deterrent.
