More than 30 suspected commercial sex workers have been arrested in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, following the discovery of suspected illicit drugs at an unapproved guest house.
The arrests follow a joint enforcement operation on Tuesday led by the Commissioner for Capital City Development and Urban Planning, Richard Ugo Idike, and the Commissioner for Internal Security, Prince Etta Uka Ude, alongside security operatives and ministry task force members.
Officials also seal the facility indefinitely pending compliance with state development regulations.
Speaking during an inspection of the premises, Mr Idike says the presence of occupants reportedly drawn from different states raises security and public safety concerns.
“The presence of individuals reportedly drawn from different states within an unapproved facility raises critical security and public safety concerns for the area,” he says.
The commissioner says enforcement officers discover substances suspected to be hard drugs, including wrappers containing substances locally known as “Colos” and Indian hemp. Security operatives seize the suspected drugs during the operation.
“The government will not tolerate the use of unapproved buildings for activities that jeopardise public peace,” he warns.
He also orders the property owner to appear before the ministry to explain the circumstances surrounding the guest house’s operations.
The Commissioner for Internal Security, Mr Ude, assures residents that the government will continue to tackle premises suspected of harbouring criminal activities.
“Our primary mandate is to guarantee the security and protection of all residents in Ebonyi State,” he says.
He urges security agencies to strengthen surveillance of commercial establishments across Abakaliki, adding that cooperation between government agencies, security operatives and the public is essential to protecting residents.
The suspects remain in police custody for further investigation, while security operatives continue efforts to locate the property owner, according to the report.
