The Imo State Police Command has rescued 12 minors and arrested 42-year-old Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, suspected to be the leader of a child kidnapping and trafficking syndicate.
Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, condemned all forms of child trafficking and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of every child in the state.
According to Police spokesperson Henry Okoye, Enyenwa was arrested on June 20 during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation along the busy Owerri-Aba Express Road. She hails from Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area.
The arrest exposed a trafficking network that exploited children for street begging in Aba, Abia State, under the pretense that the proceeds would support a motherless babies home in Rivers State. Enyenwa claimed to be employed at Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Rivers State.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala in Imo State to Aba, where they were forced to beg on the streets.
Twelve children aged between 5 and 13 were rescued. Their names and ages include: 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.
The children are currently in safe custody as the police work with relevant agencies to identify and reunite them with their families.
The Imo Police Command has urged the public to come forward if they recognize any of the children or have information about their families. Reports can be made at the X-Squad Unit or via the phone numbers: 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.
Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided in due course.
