The Imo State Police Command has rescued 12 children reportedly exploited for street begging in Aba and arrested a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, for alleged child trafficking.

Police spokesperson Henry Okoye confirmed the arrest on Sunday, stating that Enyenwa was apprehended during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Expressway on June 20, 2025.

According to Okoye, the suspect was found in possession of several children in suspicious conditions, prompting further investigation. Twelve children, aged between 5 and 13, were rescued. They include Chinyere Nnaralaeze (10), Favour Madufor (13), Ugochi Pius (13), Ifeanyi Pius (9), Favour Timothy (10), Solomon Ihechi Chinuike (7), Chinaza Madufor (10), Nneoma Timothy (9), Promise Maduenyenwa (5), Gospel Chibuike (9), Chinedu Maduenyiwa (11), and Chinonso Paul (10), all from Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area.

The suspect confessed to trafficking the children to Aba and forcing them into street begging. 

Okoye, said the children have been taken into protective custody, and investigations are ongoing to trace their biological families and uncover any collaborators.

He also urged the public to assist with information that could help identify the children or aid the investigation, stressing that child exploitation will not be tolerated in Imo State.