The Imo State Police Command has rescued twelve under-aged children believed to have been trafficked from Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State to Aba, Abia State, for the purpose of street begging. The operation was conducted on June 20, 2025, along the Owerri-Aba Expressway by police operatives during a routine stop-and-search exercise.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest of a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala, in connection with the suspected trafficking ring. According to the police, the suspect was found in possession of several children whose physical condition and demeanor raised immediate suspicion. Following her arrest, the matter was handed over to the IGP X-Squad Unit for further investigation.
The suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation that she had trafficked the children from Ngor-Okpala to Aba, where they were forced into street begging. She further claimed that the proceeds from their daily activities were sent to Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche Local Government Area of Rivers State, where she said she was employed.
The rescued children were identified as residents of various communities in Ngor-Okpala and are currently in the protective custody of the Imo State Police Command. Efforts are underway in collaboration with relevant agencies to identify and reunite the children with their families. Members of the public who may recognize any of the rescued children or know their families are encouraged to contact the IGP X-Squad using the phone numbers 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.
Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma condemned the incident and reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of children in the state. He assured that investigations are ongoing and promised that the outcome would be communicated to the public upon conclusion.
