In a disturbing revelation, the Imo State Police Command has uncovered a massive child trafficking ring and rescued 12 children allegedly stolen by a woman operating a syndicate across southeastern Nigeria.
According to a press statement issued by the command's spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, from Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, was arrested during a stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Expressway.
The suspect was found with several children in suspicious condition. Officers acted swiftly and handed the case over to the IGP X-Squad Unit for a detailed investigation.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to transporting children from Ngor-Okpala to Aba, Abia State, where they were forced into street begging,” DSP Okoye revealed. “She further claimed that the proceeds were being sent to a facility known as Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche LGA of Rivers State, where she allegedly works.”
The rescued children, aged between 5 and 13, 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 victims hail from various communities in Ngor-Okpala LGA.
The children are currently in protective custody, and efforts are underway in collaboration with relevant agencies to locate and reunite them with their families.
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, condemned the horrific act and reaffirmed the force's dedication to child protection. He encouraged members of the public with any information regarding the children’s identities to reach the police via the IGP X-Squad Unit or the following hotlines: 08034773600 and 08160087155.
The police have assured the public that the suspect will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, while additional updates on the case will be made available as investigations continue.
This incident highlights the growing concern over child exploitation and trafficking in Nigeria, as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle such criminal networks.
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