No fewer than 25 underage girls, aged between 14 and 19, have been rescued from a hotel in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, after being trafficked into the state from Ebonyi and other parts of the country to work as sex workers.
In a video circulating widely on social media, the girls revealed that they were lured by older women with promises of legitimate jobs and were forced into prostitution upon arrival in Anambra. The girls said they were brought from Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Abia, and Niger states.
One of the survivors, who identified herself as Divine, a 14-year-old girl, narrated how she and her cousin were deceived. “She asked us if we would like to travel to Anambra and work. I agreed and thought maybe I could send money to my family. She took me, my cousin, and her friend here,” Divine said.
Divine added that when they arrived in Aguleri, they were told the real nature of the work and tried to leave. However, they were threatened and told they had to work to pay for their transportation. She said, “Since then, we have been trying to escape, but they did not allow us. We once escaped, and they caught us. Even when we were on our period, they gave us cotton wool to clean ourselves so that blood would not stain the men or the bedsheets.”
Her mother, who had reported her missing since October 2025, said she traced her daughter to Aguleri and sought help from local authorities. Divine’s cousin and friend, who were also rescued, said they were 15 and 19 years old, respectively.
Other rescued girls confirmed that older women, often referred to as “madams,” were behind the trafficking. The women lured the girls from different towns and promised jobs or school opportunities, only to force them into prostitution.
According to the video, the girls were kept at Morning Star Hotel in Aguleri, where men paid fees to sleep with them. The proceeds were collected by their madams. The video also showed some of the girls pleading for help, highlighting the dangers and abuse they endured during their captivity.
Human trafficking has remained a major problem in Nigeria, particularly in the southeastern states. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) reports that traffickers often prey on vulnerable children and young women, promising them jobs in cities or abroad. Once the victims are lured, they are forced into sex work or domestic labor under harsh and abusive conditions.
The Southeast region, including Anambra and Ebonyi states, has been identified as a hotspot for trafficking networks. Many traffickers are women who recruit girls from rural areas, exploiting poverty, lack of education, and family pressure. Experts say traffickers often target children during school breaks or when families are struggling financially.
The rescue of the girls in Aguleri has sparked outrage among local residents and civil society groups. Community leaders are calling for stronger monitoring of hotels and other establishments where trafficked girls might be kept. Local authorities and concerned residents said they are working to provide temporary shelter and psychological support for the survivors.
In addition, families of the rescued girls have urged government authorities to take swift action against the traffickers and bring them to justice. They emphasized the need for awareness campaigns to educate parents and communities about the risks of human trafficking.
However, despite existing laws, enforcement remains weak in some areas due to corruption, lack of resources, and limited public awareness. Cases like the Aguleri rescue highlight the urgent need for collaboration between the police, NAPTIP, NGOs, and community leaders to prevent trafficking and protect vulnerable children.
Child psychologists warn that girls who are trafficked and forced into prostitution often suffer long-term emotional trauma. Survivors may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and difficulties reintegrating into society. Experts emphasize the importance of counselling and support programs for rescued victims to help them recover and rebuild their lives.
Local NGOs working on child protection said that providing safe accommodation, education, and vocational training is crucial to prevent the girls from being re-trafficked or exploited in the future.
As at the time of filing this report, police authorities in Anambra State have not officially confirmed the rescue. Residents, however, are hopeful that the girls will soon be reunited with their families, and that authorities will pursue the traffickers to ensure justice is served.
Community members in Aguleri also called on hotel owners and operators to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. They stressed that cooperation between residents and security agencies is vital to curb human trafficking in the area.
This incident serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by human traffickers in Nigeria. While laws exist to protect children and prosecute offenders, community vigilance, timely reporting, and public awareness are key to preventing future cases.
The rescued girls are currently receiving support from local authorities and welfare organizations. Their stories have sparked nationwide discussions about the dangers faced by children and young women, and the need for urgent action to end human trafficking in Nigeria.
The Aguleri rescue highlights the vulnerability of children to human trafficking in Nigeria. As families, communities, and authorities work together to address the issue, it is clear that stronger enforcement, public education, and victim support are essential to protect the country’s children from exploitation.