Operatives of the Imo State police command conducting a stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Express Road, on June 20, have arrested an alleged child trafficker caught with 12 children suspected to have been stolen.

In a statement on Sunday, spokesperson for the command, Henry Okoye, said the 42-year-old suspect confessed to being a member of a child trafficking syndicate involved in using the underaged children for street begging.

Mr Okoye said the command, “through an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation, has arrested one Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, 42 years old, of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala LGA, and rescued twelve suspected stolen children on 20th June 2025 along the Owerri-Aba Express Road. This arrest led to the uncovering of a disturbing child trafficking network that exploited minors for street begging in Aba, Abia State.”

Mr Okoye said the appearance and condition of the children who were between the ages of five and 13, aroused suspicion, prompting the command to refer the case to the Inspector General of Police X-Squad Unit for discreet investigation. 

The spokesperson stated that the suspect, during interrogation, “confessed to trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala LGA to Aba, where they were coerced into street begging,” adding 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.”

“As a result of the operation, twelve children between the ages of 5 and 13 were rescued. Their alleged names are as follows: 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 LGA.”

Mr Okoye, who stated that the rescued children are currently in safe custody, noted that investigation is ongoing, and assured that efforts are underway to collaborate with relevant agencies to identify and reunite the minors with their biological families.

Urging members of the public who recognise any of the rescued children or have information about their identities or families to assist the police, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, condemned all forms of child trafficking and reiterated his resolve to safeguard the rights and dignity of every child in the state.