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DSP Henry Okoye, the Command’s spokesperson, in a statement disclosed that operatives of the command arrested a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala LGA, with some suspectedly stolen children during a stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Express Road.
The arrest led to the discovery of a child trafficking network that engages in exploiting minors for street begging in Aba, Abia State.“Upon her arrest, the suspect was found with several children whose appearance and condition immediately aroused suspicion. Consequently, the case was referred to the IGP X-Squad Unit for discreet investigation,” Okoye said.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala LGA to Aba, where they were coerced into street begging. She further disclosed 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.”
According to Okoye, 12 children between the ages of 5 and 13 were eventually rescued.
The names of the victims, all of whom hailed from different communities in Ngor-Okpala LGA, as given in the statement were: Chinyere Nnaralaeze, 10, Favour Madufor, 13, Ugochi Pius, 13, Ifeanyi Pius, 9, Favour Timothy, 10, Solomon Ihechi Chinuike, 7.
Others are Chinaza Madufor, 10, Nneoma Timothy, 9, Promise Maduenyenwa, 5, Gospel Chibuike, 9, Chinedu Maduenyiwa, 11, and Chinonso Paul, 10.
Furthermore, Okoye said the children are currently in safe custody, and efforts are ongoing in collaboration with relevant agencies to identify and reunite them with their biological families.
He urged members of the public who can recognise any of the rescued children or may have helpful information about their identities or families to come to the X-Squad Unit or call any of the numbers 08034773600 and 08160087155.
Aboki Danjuma, the state Commissioner of Police, condemned child trafficking in all ramifications and reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of children in the state.
