Police Bust Child Trafficking Syndicate in Imo, Rescue 12 Victims

The Imo State Police Command says it has dismantled a large child trafficking ring and rescued 12 children who had been abducted by a suspected trafficker.

According to a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, the breakthrough came during an intelligence-driven stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Express Road, where officers arrested a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, from Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area.

Okoye explained that the woman was found transporting several children under suspicious circumstances, prompting immediate investigation. Following her arrest, detectives uncovered what he described as a “disturbing trafficking network” that forced minors into street begging in Aba, Abia State.

During questioning, the suspect reportedly confessed to taking children from Ngor-Okpala and exploiting them in Aba. She further claimed that proceeds from their forced begging were sent to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche Local Government Area of Rivers State, where she alleged she was employed.

Twelve children, aged between 5 and 13, were rescued in the operation. They 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 the children hail from various communities in Ngor-Okpala LGA.

DSP Okoye confirmed that the victims are now in protective custody while efforts are underway, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to trace and reunite them with their families.

He urged anyone with information about the rescued children to contact the IGP X-Squad Unit or call 08034773600 or 08160087155.

Reacting to the case, Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma condemned all forms of child trafficking and reiterated the command’s determination to protect the rights and dignity of every child in Imo State.

The police said investigations are ongoing and pledged to share further updates as they become available.