Sunday, July 20, 2025 - The Enugu State Police Command has announced the successful rescue of six children who were stolen and trafficked within and outside Nigeria, following a series of operations conducted between June 30 and July 16.
According to Daniel Ndukwe, the command’s spokesperson,
these operations led to the arrest of 10 suspects involved in both local and
transnational child trafficking networks.
The efforts were coordinated by various police divisions in
collaboration with local neighborhood watch groups.
“On July 15, 2025, at about 9:30pm operatives from the
Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of the Command, working with Neighbourhood Watch
members, apprehended Chiaha Josephine (64 years old) and Ozomma Christopher
Ubanagum (67 years old) in Ezeagu LGA,” the statement reads.
“Two trafficked children were rescued during this operation:
Loveth Mfonobong (16 years old), previously named Chiaha Ifunanya, and Benjamin
Alex Okon (12 years old), now known as Chiaha Udochukwu. Josephine confessed to
purchasing Loveth in 2021 for N900,000 and Benjamin in 2024 for N1,400,000.
Loveth indicated she was originally from Affi, while Benjamin identified his
place of origin as Oron in Akwa Ibom State.
“On July 16, 2025, Ilo Caroline (55 years old) was also
arrested in connection with child trafficking.
“On July 13, 2025, police operatives from the Command’s
Awkunanaw Division, in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch, rescued a male
child aged one year and seven months and arrested Chiemerie Daniel Onwe (28
years old).
The child, reported stolen by his mother, who is a trader at
the cattle market in New Garriki, Awkunanaw, Enugu, was found in the possession
of the suspect, who was subsequently arrested. The child has been reunited with
his mother, and the suspect has been remanded in correctional custody.”
Ndukwe further disclosed that the police uncovered a
transnational trafficking case involving the trafficking of a 14-year-old girl
to Ghana.
“On July 4, 2025, operatives from the Emene Division arrested Mirabel
Oluebube (21 years old) after receiving reports that she trafficked a
14-year-old girl to Ghana.
She confessed to the crime and assisted the police in
arresting her accomplice, Udenze Ifeanyi (32 years old). The victim was
successfully rescued and reunited with her family. Both suspects have been
arraigned and are currently in correctional custody.”
“On July 3, 2025, operatives from Ogui Division, working
with Neighbourhood Watch, arrested Chinenye Ozoagu (16 years old), her mother
Ogochukwu Ozoagu (31 years old), and Chidinma Ukpai (40 years old) for their
alleged involvement in a child trafficking ring.
“Investigations revealed that Chinenye gave birth on June
30, 2025, and subsequently sold the newborn for N1,400,000, with the assistance
of her mother and Chidinma. The baby was rescued in Nsukka, but the buyer
escaped.
“On the same day, June 30, 2025, operatives from Ogui Police
Division rescued an eleven-month-old baby girl and arrested Ogbuzuru Ifebuche
(36 years old) after she attempted to abduct the child from her mother’s salon,
under the guise of getting her nails done.
The suspect was apprehended by an alert mob and later
re-arrested by the police.”
Ndukwe emphasized that investigations are ongoing to
apprehend other suspects who are still at large. He assured that all
apprehended suspects will be prosecuted upon conclusion of investigations.
Mamman Giwa, Enugu Commissioner of Police, commended the
officers for their dedication and prompt action.
He urged parents to remain vigilant and cautioned against
using economic hardship as an excuse for engaging in human trafficking.
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