A 14-year-old girl from Ezinato community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State has been rescued by security operatives after an alleged interstate child trafficking attempt.
According to reports, the teenager was allegedly lured by a 30-year-old suspect identified as Mr. Okeke on July 15. Authorities said the suspect reportedly took the girl to a hotel before moving her through Onitsha and Asaba in an attempt to transport her to Sokoto State.
The trafficking attempt was reportedly foiled when police officers on patrol along the Abuja highway noticed the girl’s distressed condition during a routine stop-and-search operation.
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She was removed from the commercial vehicle and taken into protective custody.
The suspect was later apprehended by community vigilante members and law enforcement officers.
Investigators are also examining allegations linking him to the earlier disappearance of the victim’s elder sister, although that claim has not been independently confirmed.
The rescued teenager is receiving appropriate care and support while investigations continue.
Rights advocates and community leaders have called on the Anambra State Police Command and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecute anyone found responsible under Nigeria’s child protection and anti-human trafficking laws.
Authorities have not released further details as investigations continue.
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