The Imo State Police Command has uncovered a large-scale child trafficking network and rescued twelve children suspected of having been stolen and exploited for street begging.
In a statement on Sunday, the police spokesperson, Henry Okoye said the breakthrough followed an intelligence-driven stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Expressway on 20th June 2025.
During the operation, officers arrested 42-year-old Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, a native of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area.
The suspect was apprehended while transporting several children in suspicious circumstances.
The case was promptly handed over to the IGP X-Squad Unit for discreet investigation.
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During interrogation, Enyenwa allegedly confessed to trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala LGA to Aba, Abia State, where they were forced into street begging.
She further claimed that the proceeds from the children’s activities were sent to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche LGA, Rivers State, where she purportedly worked.
Police said the rescued children, aged between five and thirteen, have been placed in safe custody while efforts are underway to trace and reunite them with their biological families.
The rescued minors 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), and Chinonso Paul (10).
The police called on members of the public who may recognise any of the rescued children or have useful information regarding their families to contact the X-Squad Unit or reach the command via 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.
The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, condemned child trafficking and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of children in the state.
Investigations into the incident are still ongoing.
