An 11-year-old girl has been arrested in Delta State while believed to be trafficking hard drugs, sparking shock and concern over child exploitation in narcotics networks.
Incident Details
The minor was detained on July 24 during a police stop in Ekpan, Delta State. She was traveling in a tricycle alongside suspected adult traffickers when officers searched her bag and found illicit substances. According to the Delta State Police Command, preliminary inquiries revealed she had been recruited last week by her guardian to act as a drug courier, under the assumption that minors would avoid scrutiny.
The police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, released a video of the child admitting she knew the names of the drugs she was transporting—codeine, MDMA (Molly), and black diamond. The guardian was named and questioned, and the girl was released on bail after N500,000 was reportedly paid.
Community Reaction and Police Response
The arrest prompted a public outcry. One local resident alleged she had spent N500,000 to secure the girl’s bail and complained the child was not allowed contact with family during detention. The police have urged her to present evidence of the payment so officers involved can be investigated.
Broader Context
Delta State has faced mounting drug-related issues. Earlier in 2025, the NDLEA arrested over 80 suspects and seized large quantities of drugs, including cannabis and cough syrups. Local authorities had noted heightened involvement of persons under 15 in drug activities, raising alarm about child vulnerability in trafficking operations.
Key Takeaways
- An 11-year-old was used to carry drugs presumed to avoid detection, confirming troubling exploitation of children.
- The girl confessed on video, identifying both the drugs and the adult guardian who recruited her.
- Police have called for evidence of bail payment to investigate possible misconduct.
- The arrest highlights the escalation of child involvement in drug trafficking across Delta State.
