Police Bust Child Trafficking Ring, Rescue 12 Children, Arrest Suspect

The Imo State Police Command has uncovered a large-scale child trafficking syndicate following the arrest of a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, from Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area.

According to DSP Okoye Henry ANIPR, the Spokesperson of the Command, the syndicate was uncovered during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted on June 20, 2025, along the Owerri-Aba Express Road.

Enyenwa was apprehended in possession of twelve children, whose dishevelled appearance raised immediate suspicion. Subsequent investigations revealed that the children, aged between 5 and 13, had been trafficked from various communities in Ngor-Okpala to Aba, Abia State, where they were allegedly forced into street begging.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to orchestrating the trafficking scheme and claimed to be working for Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche LGA of Rivers State. According to police sources, Enyenwa admitted that money obtained from the children’s street begging was sent back to the facility.

The names of the rescued children are: 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).

The children are currently in protective custody, and authorities are working with child welfare agencies to identify and reunite them with their families. Police are also calling on members of the public who may recognise the children or have useful information about their backgrounds to assist in the ongoing investigation. Reports can be made through the X-Squad Unit or by calling 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.

Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, strongly condemned the exploitation of children and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating child trafficking in all forms. He assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and promised further updates as the case develops.