The Imo State Police Command has dismantled a major child trafficking network and rescued 12 children believed to have been stolen, following an intelligence-driven stop-and-search operation.

In a press release, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed that officers apprehended a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, from Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, during a routine stop along the Owerri-Aba Expressway. She was found in the company of several minors under suspicious circumstances.

According to DSP Okoye, the arrest led to the exposure of a disturbing trafficking ring involved in exploiting children for street begging in Aba, Abia State.

"Upon her arrest, the suspect was found with several children whose condition raised immediate concern. The case was swiftly handed over to the IGP X-Squad Unit for further investigation," he said.

During interrogation, Enyenwa reportedly confessed to trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala to Aba, where they were forced into street begging. She further alleged that the money generated was sent to the Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche LGA of Rivers State, where she claimed to be an employee.

The operation led to the rescue of 12 children aged between 5 and 13 years. They include 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.

Okoye confirmed that the children are now in protective custody, while the command is working closely with relevant authorities to trace and reunite them with their families.

He urged members of the public who can identify any of the rescued children or provide useful information to contact the X-Squad Unit or call 08034773600 or 08160087155.

Reacting to the incident, Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma denounced all forms of child trafficking and reiterated the command’s unwavering dedication to protecting the rights and welfare of children in the state.

Further investigations are ongoing, and updates will be shared as they unfold.