The Enugu State Police Command has successfully rescued six children who were victims of trafficking operations both within Nigeria and across international borders. The rescue operations, conducted between June 30 and July 16, also led to the arrest of 10 suspects involved in child trafficking networks.
According to Daniel Ndukwe, the command's spokesperson, these operations were coordinated by various police divisions in collaboration with local neighborhood watch groups across the state.
Major Arrests and Rescues
On July 15, operatives from the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, working alongside Neighbourhood Watch members, apprehended 64-year-old Chiaha Josephine and 67-year-old Ozomma Christopher Ubanagum in Ezeagu Local Government Area. The operation led to the rescue of two trafficked children: 16-year-old Loveth Mfonobong (previously renamed Chiaha Ifunanya) and 12-year-old Benjamin Alex Okon (renamed Chiaha Udochukwu).
Josephine confessed to purchasing Loveth in 2021 for ₦900,000 and Benjamin in 2024 for ₦1,400,000. The children identified their places of origin as Affi and Oron in Akwa Ibom State, respectively.
In another operation on July 13, police from the Command's Awkunanaw Division rescued a male child aged one year and seven months and arrested 28-year-old Chiemerie Daniel Onwe. The child had been reported stolen by his mother, a trader at the cattle market in New Garriki, Awkunanaw, Enugu. The child has since been reunited with his mother, while the suspect has been remanded in correctional custody.
Transnational Trafficking Case Uncovered
The police also uncovered a transnational trafficking case involving a 14-year-old girl who was trafficked to Ghana. On July 4, operatives from the Emene Division arrested 21-year-old Mirabel Oluebube following reports of her involvement in the crime. Her confession led to the arrest of her accomplice, 32-year-old Udenze Ifeanyi. The victim has been successfully rescued and reunited with her family, while both suspects have been arraigned and are currently in correctional custody.
In a particularly disturbing case, on July 3, police arrested 16-year-old Chinenye Ozoagu, her mother Ogochukwu Ozoagu (31), and Chidinma Ukpai (40) for their alleged involvement in selling a newborn baby. Investigations revealed that Chinenye gave birth on June 30 and subsequently sold the newborn for ₦1,400,000, with the assistance of her mother and Chidinma. The baby was rescued in Nsukka, although the buyer escaped.
On the same day, June 30, operatives from Ogui Police Division rescued an eleven-month-old baby girl and arrested 36-year-old Ogbuzuru Ifebuche after she attempted to abduct the child from her mother's salon under the pretense of getting her nails done. The suspect was initially apprehended by an alert mob before being taken into police custody.
Ndukwe emphasized that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who remain at large. He assured that all apprehended suspects will face prosecution once investigations are concluded.
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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