In a disturbing case of child exploitation, the Imo State Police Command has rescued twelve children allegedly trafficked and forced into street begging. The rescue occurred during a stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Expressway on June 20, 2025. A 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, was arrested at the scene and is currently in custody.
Enyenwa, a native of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, was intercepted while traveling with the children. Officers on duty became suspicious due to the children’s distressed appearance and her inability to provide satisfactory explanations about their identities and destination.
Following her arrest, she was handed over to the Inspector-General of Police’s X-Squad Unit for further investigation. During questioning, Enyenwa admitted to recruiting the children from her local community and transporting them to Aba in Abia State, where she forced them to beg on the streets daily. She further claimed that proceeds from the children’s begging were regularly sent to a facility known as Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche Local Government Area of Rivers State, where she allegedly works. This claim is now under close investigation.
The twelve rescued children—whose ages range from five to thirteen years—have been identified as follows: Chinyere Nnaralaeze (10), Chinonso Paul (10), Chinedu Maduenyiwa (11), Promise Maduenyenwa (5), Gospel Chibuike (9), Favour Madufor (13), Chinaza Madufor (10), Solomon Ihechi Chinuike (7), Favour Timothy (10), Nneoma Timothy (9), Ifeanyi Pius (9), and Ugochi Pius (13).
All the children are now in safe custody, receiving proper care and support from child protection authorities. Efforts are ongoing to trace their families and ensure their safe return home. The Imo State Police Command is appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the children and locating their families.
Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, strongly condemned the trafficking and abuse of children, describing the case as “deeply heartbreaking.” He assured the public that the police will not relent in their mission to protect children and dismantle trafficking networks operating in and around the state.
“We are calling on members of the public who recognize any of these children or have relevant information about their families to come forward,” the Commissioner said. “Your cooperation could help bring healing and justice to these innocent lives.”
Information can be provided through the police emergency lines: 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.
