Police rescue 12 children stolen by suspected child trafficker in Imo

The Imo State Police Command has announced that it has uncovered a massive child trafficking syndicate and rescued 12 children stolen by the suspect through an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation.

In a press statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, it was revealed that officers of the command arrested a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala LGA, with some children suspected to have been stolen by her during a stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Express Road.

DSP Okoye hinted that the arrest led to the uncovering of what he called a disturbing child trafficking network that engages in exploiting 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,” the press release stated.

The police spokesperson further hinted that as a result of the operation, 12 children between the ages of 5 and 13 were rescued. Their names, according to the press statement, were Chinyere Nnaralaeze, 10, Favour Madufor, 13, Ugochi Pius, 13, Ifeanyi Pius, 9, Favour Timothy, 10, Solomon Ihechi Chinuike, 7.

Others are Chinaza Madufor, 10, Nneoma Timothy, 9, Promise Maduenyenwa, 5, Gospel Chibuike, 9, Chinedu Maduenyiwa, 11, and Chinonso Paul, 10, all from different communities in Ngor-Okpala LGA.

Okoye further informed that the children are currently in safe custody, and efforts are ongoing in collaboration with relevant agencies to identify and reunite them with their biological families.

He added that the command is urging members of the public who can recognise any of the rescued children or may have helpful information about their identities or families to come to the X-Squad Unit or call any of the numbers 08034773600 and 08160087155.

Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma, while reacting to the development, condemned all forms of child trafficking while reaffirming his commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of every child in the State.

The statement also added that investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided in due course.