By Deborah Nnamdi
The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a 15-year-old pregnant girl and arrested a suspect in connection with alleged child exploitation and sexual abuse in the state.
The victim was rescued during a police operation carried out around St. Paul’s Secondary School, Achalla, in Awka North Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, identifying the arrested suspect as Tochukwu Nwora.
According to Ikenga, operatives attached to the Achalla Divisional Police Headquarters conducted the raid following intelligence reports on the activities of youths allegedly involved in the use of crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as “Mkpuru Mmiri.”
He said the operation, which took place on June 17, 2026, led to the discovery of the teenager in a vulnerable condition and her subsequent rescue.
“During the raid, the team rescued a 15-year-old girl who is heavily pregnant and arrested one Tochukwu Nwora over alleged child exploitation and sexual abuse,” Ikenga said.
The police spokesperson revealed that preliminary investigations indicated that the victim had allegedly been abused by several adult males at different times in Nando, Anambra East Local Government Area; Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area; and Achalla in Awka North Local Government Area.
Investigators also suspect that some of the perpetrators exploited the girl’s vulnerable situation by offering her small sums of money.
Following her rescue, the teenager was placed in protective custody and taken to the Police Hospital in Awka for medical examination and necessary care.
Ikenga stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, had directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough investigation.
He added that investigators would also examine whether any parent or guardian was negligent or complicit in the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse.
“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,” the statement said.
The police further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals linked to the alleged abuse, while the arrested suspect was assisting investigators with useful information.
The command assured residents that further updates would be provided as investigations continue.
