War Against Child Trafficking: Imo Police Arrests Suspect, Rescues 12 Stolen Children

 

The war against Child Trafficking has intensified following recent exploit of the law enforcement agencies as the Imo Police Command rescued suspected stolen children.

infonews.com.ng learnt that, the Imo State Police Command, through an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation, has arrested one Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, 42 years old, of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala LGA, and rescued twelve suspected stolen children on 20th June 2025 along the Owerri-Aba Express Road. This arrest led to the uncovering of a disturbing child trafficking network that exploited minors for street begging in Aba, Abia State.

Upon her arrest, the suspect was found with several children whose appearance and condition immediately aroused suspicion. Consequently, the case was referred to the IGP X-Squad Unit for discreet investigation. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala LGA to Aba, where they were coerced into street begging. She further disclosed that proceeds from their activities were allegedly sent to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche LGA, Rivers State, where she claimed to be employed.

As a result of the operation, twelve children between the ages of 5 and 13 were rescued. Their alleged names are as follows: 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 from various communities in Ngor-Okpala LGA.

Presently, the children are currently in safe custody, and efforts are ongoing in collaboration with relevant agencies to identify and reunite them with their biological families.