Police arrest 42-year- old child trafficker, rescue 12 children

DDM NEWS

The rescued children

The Imo State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against child trafficking, arresting a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, and rescuing 12 children from her custody.

The suspect was apprehended on June 20, 2025, during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Express Road.

According to Henry Okoye, the police spokesman in a statement said, the suspect was intercepted with multiple minors whose distressed appearance raised immediate concern.

Further investigation revealed that she was trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area to Aba, Abia State, where they were forced into street begging.

The proceeds from their begging were allegedly remitted to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Rivers State, where she claimed to be employed .

The 12 rescued children, aged between 5 and 13, are from various communities in Ngor-Okpala LGA.

The police are working with relevant agencies to trace the children’s families and ensure proper reunification.

The command has appealed to the public to provide any useful information that could help identify the children’s families or assist ongoing investigation.

The case has been transferred to the IGP X-Squad Unit for deeper investigations.

The Imo State Police Command’s efforts to dismantle the child trafficking network have been commendable, and their actions demonstrate a commitment to protecting vulnerable children in the state.

The police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed that the suspect confessed to trafficking the children and exploiting them for street begging.

The police are determined to uncover the full extent of the child trafficking network and bring all perpetrators to justice, DDM News gathered.

The statement read: “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.

Meanwhile, the Command urges members of the public who recognize any of the rescued children or have helpful information about their identities or families to come forward and assist the Police.

Reports can be made at the X-Squad Unit or via the following numbers: 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, condemns all forms of child trafficking and reiterates his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of every child in the State.

Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided in due course.”

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