The Anambra State Police Command says it rescued a 15-year-old pregnant girl and took one person, identified as Tochukwu Nwora, into custody during a police operation in Achalla, Awka North Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement issued on Friday that operatives attached to the Achalla Divisional Police Headquarters carried out the operation on June 17 following intelligence reports on the activities of some youths around St. Paul’s Secondary School, Achalla.
According to the statement, the teenager was rescued during the operation and taken into protective custody. The police also said one person was taken into custody in connection with the ongoing investigation.
The statement said preliminary findings indicate that the teenager may have had contact with a number of adult males at different times in Nando, Nteje and Achalla. Police said investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including reports that she received small sums of money.
The victim was taken to the Police Hospital, Awka, for medical evaluation and appropriate care. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
The Commissioner also directed investigators to determine the circumstances surrounding the case, including whether any parent or guardian may have failed in their duty of care or bears any legal responsibility. The police said the person in custody is cooperating with investigators, while efforts are ongoing to identify and locate other persons who may be relevant to the investigation.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons and said it would continue to investigate the matter in accordance with the law. It added that further information would be made available as investigations progress.
