The Imo State Police Command has uncovered what it described as a “massive child trafficking syndicate,” leading to the arrest of a female suspect and the rescue of 12 children believed to have been stolen.
In a statement made available to journalists in Owerri, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, revealed that an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba road on June 20, 2025, led to the arrest of 42-year-old Ann Ngozi Enyenwa from Umudim, Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area.
According to Okoye, “The Imo State Police Command, through an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation, arrested 42-year-old Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, of Umudim, Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala local government area, and rescued 12 suspected stolen children on June 20, 2025, along the Owerri-Aba road.”
He added that the arrest exposed a disturbing child trafficking network that allegedly exploited children 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,” Okoye said.
During interrogation, Enyenwa reportedly confessed to trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala to Aba, where they were forced into street begging. She further claimed that proceeds from their activities were allegedly sent to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche Local Government Area of Rivers State, where she claimed to be employed.
Twelve children between the ages of five and thirteen were rescued during the operation. Their names were given 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 are reportedly from different communities in Ngor-Okpala LGA.
The children are currently in safe custody, as efforts are underway— in collaboration with relevant agencies— to identify and reunite them with their families.
“The Command urges members of the public who recognise any of the rescued children or have useful information about their identities or families, to come forward and assist the Police,” the statement read, urging people to report to the X-Squad Unit or call 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Aboki Danjuma, strongly condemned the act of child trafficking and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of every child in Imo.
“Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided in due course,” Okoye added.
