Police bust child trafficking syndicate in Imo, rescue 12 stolen children

The Imo State Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking ring, arresting a 42-year-old woman and rescuing 12 children suspected to have been stolen from various communities within the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, identified the suspect as Ann Ngozi Enyenwa. She was arrested on June 20 during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Express Road.

According to DSP Okoye, the suspect, a native of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, was intercepted with multiple minors whose distressed condition immediately raised alarm. Following her arrest, the case was transferred to the IGP X-Squad Unit for further investigation.

During interrogation, Enyenwa confessed to trafficking the children from Ngor-Okpala to Aba, where they were forced into street begging. She also claimed that the proceeds from their activities were allegedly remitted to the Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche Local Government Area of Rivers State, where she said she was employed.

The rescued children 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). They are currently in protective custody while efforts are ongoing to locate and reunite them with their families.

The police have called on members of the public who may recognise any of the children or have useful information about their families to report to the IGP X-Squad Unit.

Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, condemned the incident and reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for child trafficking. He assured that the police would continue to pursue traffickers and protect children’s rights across the state.

This latest case adds to a growing pattern of child trafficking in Imo. In October 2023, police uncovered a trafficking ring in Orlu, rescuing eight children and arresting three suspects. In April 2024, another operation in Owerri North led to the discovery of six infants and three pregnant teenagers at an illegal maternity home.

Despite crackdowns, traffickers continue to exploit gaps in enforcement, often operating through unregistered orphanages and fake welfare homes. Civil society organisations have repeatedly called for stronger oversight of child welfare facilities and increased funding for child protection services.

The Imo State Police Command has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement of children or suspected trafficking activities to law enforcement authorities.