Imo Police Free 12 Minors Trafficked from Ngor Okpalla to Aba
The Imo State Police Command has successfully liberated 12 minors believed to have been trafficked from Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area in Imo State to Aba in Abia State for the purpose of street begging.
This operation, executed along the Owerri-Aba Expressway on June 20, 2025, was conducted by officers during a routine stop-and-search initiative, as per a statement released on Sunday evening by police spokesperson Henry Okoye.
Okoye revealed that the officers apprehended a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, hailing from Umudim, Ohakelem in Ngor-Okpala LGA, in relation to the incident.
“The Imo State Police Command, through an intelligence-driven stop-and-search operation, has apprehended one Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, aged 42, of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala LGA, and rescued twelve children suspected to have been trafficked on the 20th of June, 2025, along the Owerri-Aba Express Road,” the statement declared.
“This arrest uncovered a deeply unsettling child trafficking network that exploited minors for street begging in Aba, Abia State.
“Upon her apprehension, the suspect was discovered with several children whose appearance and condition immediately raised suspicions. Consequently, the case was referred to the IGP X-Squad Unit for a thorough investigation,” he said.
Okoye further disclosed that the proceeds from their activities were allegedly sent to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche LGA, Rivers State, where the suspect claimed to be employed,” Okoye added.
The rescued children were identified as Chinyere Nnaralaeze, 10; Favour Madufor, 13; Ugochi Pius, 13; Ifeanyi Pius, 9; and Favour Timothy, 10. Others include Solomon Ihechi Chinuike, 7; Chinaza Madufor, 10; Nneoma Timothy, 9; Promise Maduenyenwa, 5; Gospel Chibuike, 9; Chinedu Maduenyiwa, 11; and Chinonso Paul, 10. All hail from various communities within Ngor-Okpala LGA.
Okoye noted that the children are currently under the care of the command and are undergoing the process of identification, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to facilitate their reunification with parents and guardians.
He urged members of the public who may recognize the rescued children or their families to contact the X-Squad via 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, denounced the act and reaffirmed the command’s dedication to safeguarding the rights and dignity of children within the state.
He assured the public that investigations are ongoing, with a promise that findings will be disclosed in due course.
