By Sophia Afolabi
A major child trafficking syndicate has been exposed in Imo State following the arrest of a 42-year-old woman and the dramatic rescue of twelve children, believed to have been trafficked for forced street begging.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Imo State Police Command apprehended one Ann Ngozi Enyenwa during a stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Expressway. Enyenwa, a resident of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, was found transporting the children under suspicious circumstances.
Upon further investigation, the suspect confessed to trafficking the minors from various communities in Ngor-Okpala to Aba, Abia State, where they were forced to beg on the streets. She further claimed that the proceeds were remitted to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche LGA, Rivers State, where she alleges she is employed.
Twelve children, aged between 5 and 13, were rescued during the operation. Their names were released by authorities to aid in identifying 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).
According to the report, all victims are currently in protective custody, and the Police are working closely with child welfare agencies to reunite them with their families.
The Imo State Police Command called on members of the public who may recognize any of the rescued children or have relevant information about their identities to come forward. Reports can be submitted to the IGP X-Squad Unit or via the emergency lines: 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, strongly condemned the incident, describing child trafficking as a “heinous crime against humanity.” He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice is served.
