In a major breakthrough against child trafficking, the Imo State Police Command has rescued 12 minors and arrested a 42-year-old woman, identified as Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, believed to be the mastermind behind a child kidnapping and trafficking syndicate.
The operation, described as intelligence-led and proactive, was carried out on June 20 along the busy Owerri-Aba Expressway by officers conducting routine stop-and-search checks.
According to Henry Okoye, spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, the arrest of Enyenwa — a native of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area — led to the uncovering of a deeply disturbing trafficking network that exploited children for forced street begging in Aba, Abia State.
Children Used to Fund Fake Orphanage Operations
Investigations revealed that the rescued minors, aged 5 to 13, were trafficked from Ngor-Okpala and used to solicit alms under the pretext of representing a motherless babies’ home.
“The suspect confessed to trafficking the children from Ngor-Okpala to Aba where they were forced into begging. The proceeds were allegedly funneled to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Rivers State, where she claimed to be employed,” said Okoye.
He confirmed that the case has now been transferred to the IGP X-Squad Unit for deeper investigations.
Rescued Children
The police released the names of the twelve rescued children:
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 the children reportedly hail from different communities within Ngor-Okpala LGA. They are currently in safe custody, receiving care and support, as authorities work to trace and reunite them with their biological families.
Public Assistance Requested
The police have called on members of the public who may recognise any of the children or have relevant information regarding their families to come forward. Reports can be made through the X-Squad Unit or via the hotlines:
0803 477 3600
0816 008 7155
Zero Tolerance for Child Trafficking
Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the protection of children and the eradication of all forms of trafficking and abuse.
“We will not tolerate any form of exploitation of children in Imo State. Every child deserves safety, dignity, and the right to a future,” Danjuma declared.
Investigations are ongoing, and further developments will be shared by the Command in due course.
