In a decisive action to curb rising criminal activities, the Anambra State Government, under its Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) initiative, has shut down a notorious brothel in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area.
The brothel, whose name was withheld, had reportedly become a hub for illegal activities, including the exploitation of underage girls as sex workers, drug trafficking, and sheltering armed robbers.
During the raid conducted by operatives of the OCHA Brigade, at least 10 sex workers, some of whom were minors, were rescued.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the Managing Director of the OCHA Brigade, Celestine Anere, disclosed that the crackdown followed extensive monitoring and intelligence gathering on the establishment’s illicit operations.
“This operation was carried out based on credible intelligence revealing that illegal activities within the brothel were linked to serious crimes, ranging from drug trafficking to the use of underage girls in sex work,” Anere stated.
He further emphasized that the brothel also served as a hideout for armed robbers and other criminal elements, contributing to a rise in insecurity within the community.
Anere assured the public that efforts were underway to track down and prosecute the operators of the brothel. “We are committed to ensuring that those responsible face the full wrath of the law, sending a strong message to anyone engaging in similar illegal enterprises across the state,” he declared.
ALSO READ: Stop Playing Politics with Lives!” — Peter Obi Slams FG Over Kidnapping Crisis
This swift action is part of the Anambra State Government’s broader commitment to promoting safety, law, and public health within its jurisdiction.