Police Rescue 9 Girls From Sêx Trafficking Ring In Awka Hotel

The Anambra State Police Command executed a successful operation yesterday, June 18, 2023, resulting in the rescue of nine young girls held captive as sex slaves in a hotel. The proprietor of the establishment was apprehended during the raid.

The rescue operation, carried out by dedicated Police Operatives, followed vital information received by the Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare.

The girls, aged between 15 and 23 years, were found to have been deceived and lured into the brothel with promises of job opportunities to help alleviate the financial struggles faced by their families.

Startling confessions from the rescued girls shed light on their origins, with reports indicating that they were transported from various states including Ebonyi, Enugu, Akwa-Ibom, and Rivers. This distressing revelation highlights the extent to which criminals exploit vulnerable individuals for their own gain.

In response to the rescue operation, the Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, has taken immediate steps to ensure the well-being and safe return of the girls to their respective parents or guardians.

The Command has expressed its condemnation of this heinous act, emphasizing that such establishments serve as dens for criminals seeking refuge.

To combat this menace, the Police Command urges the citizens of Anambra State to remain vigilant and provide any relevant information about similar illicit operations. Joint operations are already underway to eliminate such havens of exploitation. Individuals with valuable information can contact the Command Control Room at 07039194332 or reach out to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) at 08039334002. Rest assured, all information shared through these channels will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Following the completion of the initial operation, the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for a comprehensive investigation. The authorities are determined to ensure that those responsible for this appalling crime face the full weight of the law.

DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Anambra State Police Command, reiterated the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. He urged the public to support these efforts by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting any suspicious activities or locations.