In a coordinated effort between the Anambra State Government and the state police command, a successful operation was conducted to rescue two underaged girls and 18 other individuals who were being exploited for prostitution in a hotel located in Oba community, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.

The operation was initiated based on a tip-off received from a concerned whistleblower who had observed suspicious activities around the vicinity of the hotel.

The underaged girls have been taken to a medical facility for examination and any necessary treatment under the supervision of the state’s Ministry of Women and Social Welfare.

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Speaking after the operation, Commissioner Ify Obinabo, who heads the state’s Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, expressed her gratitude to the security forces for their role in rescuing the girls.

She also vowed to ensure that justice is served in this case.

Commissioner Obinabo lamented that despite the state government’s continuous efforts to combat human trafficking, some individuals continue to engage in illicit activities.

She remarked, “Prior to this operation, our ministry conducted an investigation which revealed that the hotel known as ‘Ten Top’ in Oba was involved in trafficking girls from various parts of the country for the purpose of prostitution.

The state government is firmly committed to eradicating all forms of child kidnapping, trafficking, and sex slavery within the state.

We urge the residents of Anambra to promptly report any suspicious activities in their vicinity for swift response and action.”

Several of the rescued individuals, aged between 16 and 24, spoke to journalists and disclosed that they had been brought to the hotel by friends or relatives under the pretense of securing employment but were, in reality, trafficked into prostitution.

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The victims revealed that their personal belongings, including phones, were confiscated by the individuals who brought them to the brothel.

They were then handed over to other women who informed them that they would only be released once they generated a specific amount of money or served for a year.

These individuals reported earning between N4,000 to N10,000 daily and higher amounts, ranging from N15,000 to N30,000, during weekends.

One of the rescued victims, identified as Ebere, disclosed, “We have different ‘madams’ at the hotel, and the money we make is collected by our respective ‘madams,’ while the hotel owner retrieves the earnings. We pay a daily rent of N3,500 from the proceeds of the prostitution business.”

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The victims also shared that they were provided with N500 every morning for their daily meals, which were delivered by security guards stationed at various areas of the hotel.

The victims revealed that they were compelled to engage with approximately 10 clients daily to meet their income targets. Failing to meet these targets resulted in severe beatings from their respective “madams.”