The Enugu State Police Command says it has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against child stealing and trafficking, rescuing six stolen or trafficked children and arresting ten suspects in a string of coordinated operations between June 30 and July 16, 2025.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the multiple arrests and rescues were achieved through combined efforts of police operatives and local Neighbourhood Watch groups across different parts of the state.
On July 15, 2025, at about 9:30 p.m., operatives from the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad working with Neighbourhood Watch personnel stormed Ezeagu Local Government Area and arrested Chiaha Josephine (64) and Ozomma Christopher Ubanagum (67). Two trafficked children were rescued: Loveth Mfonobong (16)—whose name had been changed to Chiaha Ifunanya—and Benjamin Alex Okon (12)—renamed Chiaha Udochukwu.
“Josephine confessed to buying Loveth in 2021 for ₦900,000 and Benjamin in 2024 for ₦1,400,000,” the statement revealed. While Loveth could only identify her origin as Affi (state or LGA unknown), Benjamin said he was from Oron in Akwa Ibom State. The following day, July 16, police also arrested Ilo Caroline (55) for complicity.
In another incident on July 13, 2025, operatives from Awkunanaw Division, with support from Neighbourhood Watch members, rescued a one-year-and-seven-month-old baby boy. Chiemerie Daniel Onwe (28) was caught carrying the stolen child, whose mother, a trader at the New Garriki cattle market, had earlier reported him missing.
“The suspect has been arraigned in court and remanded in correctional custody,” the police said.
A transnational case emerged on July 4, 2025, when operatives from Emene Division arrested Mirabel Oluebube (21) after she trafficked a 14-year-old girl to Ghana. Mirabel’s confession led to the arrest of her accomplice, Udenze Ifeanyi (32).
“The victim was safely rescued and reunited with her family. Both suspects have been arraigned and remanded in custody,” the police confirmed.
On July 3, 2025, operatives attached to Ogui Division arrested Chinenye Ozoagu (16), her mother Ogochukwu Ozoagu (31), and Chidinma Ukpai (40) for running a trafficking ring. Investigations showed Chinenye gave birth on June 30, 2025, and sold her newborn for ₦1,400,000 with the help of her mother and Chidinma. The baby was later rescued in Nsukka, though the buyer escaped.
Also on June 30, 2025, the same Ogui Division rescued an eleven-month-old girl after Ogbuzuru Ifebuche (36) attempted to steal her from her mother’s salon under the guise of fixing her nails.
“The mother raised the alarm after seeing the suspect leaving with the baby in a tricycle. She was apprehended and manhandled by an angry mob before being rescued and rearrested by the police,” the statement added.
The police said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other syndicate members still at large, and the remaining suspects will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, praised the operatives for their swift and professional actions.
He cautioned parents and guardians: “Be watchful, protect your children, and resist involvement in human trafficking under the guise of economic difficulties.”
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to fighting crimes against children and urged the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
