A disturbing child trafficking operation has been uncovered by the Imo State Police Command, leading to the arrest of a suspect and the rescue of 12 allegedly stolen children.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Henry Okoye, revealed this in a press statement issued in Owerri, adding that a discreet investigation is already underway.
According to Okoye, the breakthrough came on June 20, 2025, during a stop-and-search operation driven by intelligence along the Owerri-Aba road. Police operatives apprehended 42-year-old Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, a native of Umudim, Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area.
Her arrest led to the discovery of what authorities described as a “massive child trafficking syndicate” involved in exploiting minors for street begging in Aba, Abia State.
“At the time of her arrest, Enyenwa was found with several children whose physical condition raised immediate red flags,” the statement read. “The case was promptly handed over to the IGP X-Squad Unit for thorough investigation.”
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala to Aba, where they were forced to beg on the streets. She also claimed the proceeds from their begging were sent to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche Local Government Area of Rivers State, where she allegedly worked.
Twelve children between the ages of 5 and 13 were rescued. They have been identified as: Chinyere Nnaralaeze (10), Favour Madufor (13), Ugochi Pius (13), Ifeanyi Pius (9), Favour Timothy (10), Solomon Ihechi Chinuike (7), Chinaza Madufor (10), Nneoma Timothy (9), Promise Maduenyenwa (5), Gospel Chibuike (9), Chinedu Maduenyiwa (11), and Chinonso Paul (10)—all said to hail from different communities in Ngor-Okpala.
The rescued children are currently in safe custody as efforts are being made, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to trace and reunite them with their families.
The police have urged members of the public who may recognize any of the children or possess information about their relatives to come forward. Reports can be made at the X-Squad Unit or via 0803 477 3600 and 0816 008 7155.
Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, condemned the criminal act and reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to protecting children’s rights and safety across the state.
Further developments on the investigation will be shared as they unfold.
