By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a 15-year-old heavily pregnant girl believed to have been subjected to repeated sexual exploitation by multiple adult males.

The arrest came on the heels of a coordinated raid targeting suspected users of crystal methamphetamine, also known as Mkpuru Mmiri, in Achalla, Awka North Local Government Area of the state.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made available to journalists on Friday said that during the operation, one suspect was arrested for alleged defilement and child exploitation.

He revealed that the raid was carried out by operatives attached to the Achalla Divisional Police Headquarters after intelligence gathered over time concerning the activities of some youths allegedly involved in the abuse of crystal methamphetamine around St. Paul’s Secondary School in Achalla.

The statement partly reads: "The operation was conducted on the evening of June 17, 2026 during which officers rescued the underage girl, who was discovered to be heavily pregnant, and arrested one Tochukwu Nwora over allegations bordering on defilement and child exploitation.

"At the height of the operation, the police team reportedly observed a middle-aged man in a compromising situation with the minor, prompting the operatives to immediately intervene and take the victim into protective custody.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the teenager had allegedly been repeatedly defiled by several adult males at different times across the communities of Nando, Nteje and Achalla

"The suspects allegedly exploited the girl’s vulnerable condition by giving her small amounts of money, a practice investigators believe was used to manipulate and repeatedly subject her to abuse.

"Following her rescue, the victim was immediately taken to the Police Hospital in Awka, where medical examinations and other necessary procedures commenced to ensure her welfare and aid the ongoing investigation."

According to the Police spokesman, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough and comprehensive investigation.

He said: "The CP, specifically ordered investigators to widen the scope of the inquiry to establish whether the victim’s parent or guardian may have been negligent or otherwise culpable in circumstances that allegedly exposed the minor to prolonged exploitation.

"The police commissioner also directed that every individual found to have participated in the alleged defilement and exploitation of the girl should be identified, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law."

The Command further disclosed that the suspect currently in custody is assisting investigators with useful information that could lead to the arrest of other persons allegedly connected with the crime.

While condemning the incident, the Anambra State Police Command reiterated its firm stance against child abuse, sexual exploitation and all forms of violence against minors, stressing that it remains committed to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that justice is served.

The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities and cases involving children to the police or other relevant authorities, emphasizing that community partnership remains vital in combating crime.

The latest operation also underscores the growing concerns over the social consequences of hard drug abuse, particularly crystal methamphetamine, which security experts have repeatedly linked to rising incidents of violent crimes, sexual offences and other anti-social behaviours across communities.

The Command further assured the public of diligent prosecution of everyone found culpable, saying that investigations are ongoing.