The Imo State Police Command has rescued 12 minors and arrested a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, believed to be the leader of a child trafficking syndicate.
The arrest took place during a stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Expressway on Thursday, June 20, 2025.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said the suspect was apprehended while transporting the children under suspicious circumstances.
Advertisement
He revealed that Enyenwa confessed to trafficking the minors from Ngor-Okpala in Imo State to Aba, Abia State, where they were forced into street begging.
READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/06/rivers-fubara-denies-authorizing-2027-election-campaign-items.html
“This arrest led to the uncovering of a disturbing child trafficking network that exploited minors under the guise of charity,” Okoye said.
According to him, Enyenwa also claimed that proceeds from the children’s street begging were sent to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Rivers State, where she alleged she worked. The police, however, said that claim is under investigation.
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, strongly condemned the incident. “Child trafficking in any form is a crime against humanity. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice for these children,” he stated.
The rescued children aged between 5 and 13 are now in safe custody. The police released their names and urged members of the public who may recognize them to come forward.
“We appeal to anyone with useful information about the children’s identities or families to reach out immediately. This is a collective responsibility,” Okoye added.
The police provided contact numbers 0803 477 3600 and 0816 008 7155 for anyone who may help reunite the children with their families.
