Enugu, Nigeria — The Enugu State Police Command has successfully rescued six trafficked children and arrested ten suspects connected to both local and transnational child trafficking syndicates, following a series of coordinated operations between June 30 and July 16, 2025.

The breakthrough was announced on Saturday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who stated that the operations were part of the Command’s intensified efforts to combat child theft and trafficking across the state.

Among the rescued victims is a one-year-and-seven-month-old male child, a 14-year-old girl trafficked to Ghana, and several others who were renamed by their traffickers in a bid to conceal their identities.

Details of Arrests and Rescues

  • On July 15, 2025, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, with support from the Neighbourhood Watch, arrested Chiaha Josephine (64) and Ozomma Christopher Ubanagum (67) in Ezeagu LGA. They rescued two children:

    • Loveth Mfonobong (16), renamed Chiaha Ifunanya, allegedly purchased in 2021 for ₦900,000.

    • Benjamin Alex Okon (12), renamed Chiaha Udochukwu, allegedly bought in 2024 for ₦1.4 million.

    • Another suspect, Ilo Caroline (55), was later arrested on July 16 for her involvement.

  • On July 13, 2025, police from Awkunanaw Division, in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch, rescued a one-year-and-seven-month-old male child and arrested Chiemerie Daniel Onwe (28). The child had been stolen from a market in New Garriki, Awkunanaw, Enugu and has since been reunited with his mother.

  • On July 4, 2025, police from the Emene Division arrested Mirabel Oluebube (21) for trafficking a 14-year-old girl to Ghana. She confessed and facilitated the arrest of her male accomplice, Udenze Ifeanyi (32). The victim was rescued and reunited with her family.

  • On July 3, 2025, the Ogui Division arrested Chinenye Ozoagu (16), her mother Ogochukwu Ozoagu (31), and Chidinma Ukpai (40) for allegedly selling Chinenye’s newborn, delivered on June 30, 2025, for ₦1.4 million. The baby was rescued in Nsukka, although the buyer remains at large.

  • Also on June 30, 2025, police arrested Ogbuzuru Ifebuche (36) after she was caught attempting to steal an eleven-month-old baby girl from a salon in Ogui, where she posed as a customer. An alarm raised by the child’s mother led to her apprehension.

Police Response and Ongoing Investigation

SP Ndukwe confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and efforts are in progress to apprehend other syndicate members still at large. The suspects in custody will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift action. He also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and prioritize the safety of their children.

“Parents and guardians must be alert and proactive in safeguarding their wards. The Command remains committed to dismantling these criminal networks,” the CP stated.

Conclusion

The successful rescues and arrests mark a significant stride in Enugu’s battle against child trafficking and underscore the need for continuous community vigilance and law enforcement collaboration.