The Imo State Police Command has arrested one Ann Ngozi Enyenwa for running a child theft and trafficking syndicate and rescued 12 minors.
The 42-year-old suspect Enyenwa hails from Umudim Ohekelem in the Ngor-Okpala local government area of Imo State.
She was arrested through an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation on June 20 along the busy Owerri-Aba Expressway in the State.
Spokesperson of the Police Comman, Henry Okoye, made the disclosure on Sunday evening even as the State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has condemned all forms of child trafficking and restated his commitment to safeguard the rights and dignity of every child in the State.
According to Okoye, Police operatives after the arrest of the suspect, rescued 12 minors kidnapped from different places in Ngor-Okpala local government area of Imo State and thereafter trafficked to Aba, in Abia State for street begging to allegedly raise money for a motherless babies home in Rivers State.
He said the operatives through an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation, arrested Enyenwa, adding that the arrest led to the smash of the child trafficking network that used children for street begging in Aba, Abia State, allegedly for a motherless babies home in Rivers State.
According to him, the suspect said that the proceeds made by the children from begging was allegedly sent to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Rivers State, where Ann Ngozi Enyenwa claimed to be employed.
He disclosed that the suspect had already confessed that the children were trafficked from Ngor Okpala in Imo State to Aba in Abia State where they were forced to do street begging.
Okoye said: “the Imo State Police Command, through an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation, has arrested one Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, 42 years old, of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala LGA, and rescued twelve suspected stolen children on 20th June 2025 along the Owerri-Aba Express Road. This arrest led to the uncovering of a disturbing child trafficking network that exploited minors for street begging in Aba, Abia State.
“Upon her arrest, the suspect was found with several children whose appearance and condition immediately aroused suspicion. Consequently, the case was referred to the IGP X-Squad Unit for discreet investigation. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala LGA to Aba, where they were coerced into street begging. She further disclosed that proceeds from their activities were allegedly sent to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche LGA, Rivers State, where she claimed to be employed.
“As a result of the operation, twelve children between the ages of 5 and 13 were rescued. Their alleged names are as follows: 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.”
Meanwhile, the Police spokesperson has assured that the children are currently in safe custody, and that efforts were ongoing in collaboration with relevant agencies to identify and reunite them with their biological families.
The Imo Police Command called on the members of the public who recognise any of the children or has useful information about their identities or family to contact the Police and assist to help reunite them with their familie, adding that reports can be made at the X-Squad Unit or via the following numbers: 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.
“The Command urges members of the public who recognize any of the rescued children or have helpful information about their identities or families to come forward and assist the Police. Reports can be made at the X-Squad Unit or via the following numbers: 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Police spokesperson promised to keep the public updated on the developments, saying investigations were ongoing, and that further updates will be provided in due course.
