The Imo State Police Command has uncovered a disturbing child trafficking syndicate and rescued twelve suspected stolen children following a stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Express Road on June 20, 2025.
According to a press statement issued at the weekend by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, was arrested during the operation. Her suspicious behavior and the condition of the children in her custody prompted immediate investigation.
Enyenwa reportedly confessed during interrogation that she trafficked children from Ngor-Okpala to Aba in Abia State, where they were forced into street begging. She also claimed that the proceeds from the children’s begging were remitted to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche LGA of Rivers State, where she alleged she was employed.
The children—aged between 5 and 13—were 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)
Chinonso Paul (10)
All of them hail from various communities in Ngor-Okpala LGA.
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The rescued children are currently in safe protective custody. The Police say efforts are ongoing, in partnership with relevant agencies, to trace and reunite them with their biological families.
The Command has urged members of the public who recognize any of the rescued children or possess useful information about their families to come forward. Reports can be made at the IGP X-Squad Unit or via the following phone numbers: 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.
Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, condemned all forms of child trafficking and reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to protect the rights and dignity of every child in the state. He assured that a thorough investigation is ongoing and further developments will be communicated to the public.