The Imo State Police Command has rescued 12 minors and arrested a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, believed to be the ringleader of a child kidnapping and trafficking syndicate.
Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, strongly condemned all forms of child trafficking and reiterated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of every child in the state.
Police spokesperson for Imo State, Henry Okoye, disclosed in a statement on Sunday evening.
He said the operatives through an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation, arrested Enyenwa of Umudim Ohekelem in the Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State on June 20th along the busy Owerri-Aba Express Road.
According to him, the arrest led to the smashing of a child trafficking network that used children for street begging in Aba, Abia State, purported to be for a motherless babies home in Rivers State.
He disclosed that the proceeds made by the children from begging were allegedly sent to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Rivers State, where Ann Ngozi Enyenwa claimed to be employed.
According to him, the suspect had already confessed that the children were trafficked from Ngor Okpala in Imo State to Aba in Abia State where they were forced to do street begging.
He said, “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 LG.”
The Police spokesperson assured that the children were currently in safe custody and that efforts were ongoing in collaboration with relevant agencies to identify and reunite them with their biological families.
Meanwhile, the Imo Police Command has called on the members of the public who recognise any of the children or have useful information about their identities or family to contact the Police and assist in helping reunite them with their families.
He said reports can be made at the X-Squad Unit or via the following numbers: 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.
“The Command urges members of the public who recognise 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”, he said.
The police spokesperson also disclosed that Investigations are ongoing, and that further updates will be provided in due course.
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