Police rescues 12 Children stolen from Imo, trafficked to Aba for street begging

The Imo State Police Command has rescued twelve vulnerable children from the clutches of a child trafficking ring, thereby exposing a vast network of criminals exploiting minors.

Acting on credible intelligence, operatives arrested 42-year-old Ann Ngozi Enyenwa from Umudim Ohekelem, Ngor-Okpala LGA, during a stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Express Road on June 20th, 2025. The distressing condition of the children travelling with her immediately raised suspicions of trafficking.

Subsequent investigations, handled discreetly by the IGP X-Squad Unit, revealed a cruel reality. Enyenwa then confessed to systematically stealing children from communities within Ngor-Okpala LGA and trafficking them to Aba, Abia State; where these innocent victims – some as young as 5 years old – were forced into street begging.

Shockingly, Enyenwa claimed the profits from exploiting these children were sent to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche LGA, Rivers State, where she allegedly worked.

In a swift police action, twelve children were safely recovered. Their names and ages are listed below, as they desperately await reunion with their families:

* 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)
* Chinonso Paul (10)

The children are now safe in protective custody, while the Police Command, working closely with relevant agencies, is making efforts to identify their biological families and bring them home.
We urgently appeal to the public: If you recognize any of these children or have information about their families, please come forward immediately. Contact the X-Squad Unit or call 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155. Your help is crucial in healing these traumatized lives.

Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma condemned the evil perpetrated against the kids: “This vile exploitation of innocence is an attack on the very fabric of our society. The Imo State Police Command remains unwaveringly committed to protecting every child’s right to safety, dignity, and freedom. We will pursue until we bring all those who prey on the vulnerable to book.”