Police rescue pregnant teen, arrest suspect for child exploitation in Anambra

Police Officer. Credit: Stock photo

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The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a 15-year-old pregnant girl and arrested a suspect over alleged child exploitation and sexual abuse in the state.

The victim was rescued during a police raid around St. Paul’s Secondary School, Achalla, in Awka North Local Government Area.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

Ikenga noted that one Tochukwu Nwora was arrested during the operation.

According to Ikenga, the operation was carried out by operatives attached to the Achalla Divisional Police Headquarters following intelligence reports on the activities of youths allegedly involved in the use of crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as “Mkpuru Mmiri.”

He said the raid, conducted 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 stated.

He added that preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had allegedly been subjected to abuse 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.

According to the police spokesperson, investigators believe some of the suspects took advantage of the teenager’s vulnerable condition by offering her small sums of money.

The victim has since been placed in protective custody and taken to the Police Hospital in Awka for medical evaluation and necessary care.

Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, had directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive investigation.

He added that the investigation would also determine whether any parent or guardian was negligent or complicit in the circumstances surrounding the case.

“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 read.

The police said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons 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 progress.

Ikenna Obianeri is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 10 years of experience in reporting and storytelling. He conducts incisive interviews, covers crime and environmental issues, and produces engaging feature stories tailored for digital audiences. Ikenna’s work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to impactful, audience-focused journalism

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