The Enugu State Police Command has dismantled several child-stealing and trafficking rings, rescuing six children and arresting 10 suspects in a series of coordinated operations carried out between June 20 and July 16, 2025.
In a statement released on Saturday, July 19, by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the police detailed the arrests and rescue efforts, which exposed both local and transnational trafficking networks.
Among those arrested were a 16-year-old girl, her mother, and another female accomplice, accused of running a child trafficking ring. Investigations revealed that the teenager gave birth on June 30, 2025, and sold the newborn for ₦1.4 million with the help of her mother. The baby was later rescued in Nsukka, although the buyer escaped.
In another major operation on July 15, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, working with Neighbourhood Watch members, arrested 64-year-old Chiaha Josephine and 67-year-old Ozomma Christopher Ubanagum in Ezeagu LGA. Two trafficked children were rescued: 16-year-old Loveth Mfonobong (renamed Chiaha Ifunanya) and 12-year-old Benjamin Alex Okon (renamed Chiaha Udochukwu). Josephine confessed to buying the children in 2021 and 2024 for ₦900,000 and ₦1.4 million respectively. Another suspect, Ilo Caroline (55), was also arrested in connection with the case.
On July 13, a toddler—one year and seven months old—was rescued by police in Awkunanaw after a trader reported her son missing at the New Garriki cattle market. The suspect, 28-year-old Chiemerie Daniel Onwe, was caught with the child and has been arraigned and remanded.
In a transnational case, police operatives from the Emene Division arrested 21-year-old Mirabel Oluebube for trafficking a 14-year-old girl to Ghana. She later helped police apprehend her accomplice, Udenze Ifeanyi (32). The victim was rescued and reunited with her family. Both suspects were charged and remanded in custody.
On June 30, operatives also rescued an 11-month-old baby girl from an attempted abduction at a salon in Ogui. The suspect, 36-year-old Ogbuzuru Ifebuche, posed as a customer before trying to flee with the baby. She was apprehended by a mob and later taken into custody by police.
According to the statement, all suspects will be prosecuted upon completion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to track and arrest others still at large.
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the swift and professional actions of his officers and warned parents to remain vigilant. He also urged the public to report suspicious activities and resist any temptation to engage in human trafficking, regardless of economic hardship.
“The Command remains fully committed to combating crimes against children,” the Commissioner stated.
