Police bust major child trafficking ring in Imo, rescue 12 children Owerri, Imo State

The Imo State Police Command has successfully dismantled a large-scale child trafficking syndicate, rescuing 12 suspected stolen children and arresting a key suspect.

The operation, which began with an intelligence-led stop-and-search, has uncovered a disturbing network that exploited minors for street begging.

According to Mr. Henry Okoye, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, 42-year-old Ann Ngozi Enyenwa of Umudim, Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala local government area, was arrested on June 20, 2025, along the Owerri-Aba road.

Her suspicious demeanor and the condition of the children with her immediately raised red flags, prompting the case to be transferred to the IGP X-Squad Unit for thorough investigation.

During interrogation, Enyenwa confessed to trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala LGA to Aba, Abia State, where they were forced into street begging. She further claimed that the money generated from these activities was sent to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche LGA, Rivers State, where she allegedly worked.

The operation led to the rescue of 12 children, aged between 5 and 13 years old.

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The rescued children, all from various communities in Ngor-Okpala LGA, have been 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 children are currently in safe custody, and the Police Command is collaborating with relevant agencies to identify and reunite them with their biological families.

Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has strongly condemned all forms of child trafficking, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of every child in the state.

The Police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the rescued children or their families.

Reports can be made at the X-Squad Unit or by calling 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.

Discreet investigations into the syndicate are ongoing, and further updates are expected as the case develops.