In a series of coordinated raids between June 20 and July 16, 2025, the Enugu State Police Command dismantled multiple child trafficking syndicates, rescuing six children and arresting ten individuals linked to both local and cross-border trafficking operations.

According to a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, one of the most disturbing cases involved a 16-year-old girl who gave birth on June 30 and, in collaboration with her mother and another woman, sold the newborn for ₦1.4 million. The baby was later traced and rescued in Nsukka, although the buyer managed to escape.

One of the operations, conducted on July 15 in Ezeagu Local Government Area, led to the arrest of 64-year-old Chiaha Josephine and 67-year-old Ozomma Christopher Ubanagum. They were found with two trafficked children, whose names had been changed to conceal their identities—16-year-old Loveth Mfonobong (renamed Ifunanya) and 12-year-old Benjamin Alex Okon (renamed Udochukwu). Josephine admitted to buying both children for a combined ₦2.3 million.

Loveth could only recall her origin at a place called Affi, while Benjamin said he was from Oron, Akwa Ibom State. A woman named Ilo Caroline, 55, was also arrested in connection to the case.

In another incident on July 13, a trader at the New Garriki cattle market reported her toddler missing. Thanks to a swift response by the Awkunanaw Police Division and the local Neighborhood Watch, 28-year-old Chiemerie Daniel Onwe was arrested while attempting to flee with the child. The baby was safely reunited with his mother, and the suspect is now in custody pending trial.

On July 4, in a troubling cross-border case, a 14-year-old girl trafficked to Ghana was rescued after 21-year-old Mirabel Oluebube was arrested in Emene. She later confessed and assisted police in apprehending her alleged accomplice, 32-year-old Udenze Ifeanyi. Both are now in custody and awaiting trial.

The very next day, July 3, three women—16-year-old Chinenye Ozoagu, her 31-year-old mother Ogochukwu, and 40-year-old Chidinma Ukpai—were arrested for allegedly selling Chinenye’s newborn for ₦1.4 million. The baby was rescued, but the buyer remains at large.

Also on June 30, police arrested 36-year-old Ogbuzuru Ifebuche, who was caught trying to steal a baby girl from her mother’s salon. The mother raised an alarm when she saw the woman attempting to leave with her child in a tricycle. A nearby crowd caught the suspect before police intervened and took her into custody.

Investigations are ongoing, and the remaining suspects will be arraigned in court once case files are complete. Efforts are also being intensified to locate other members of these trafficking networks still at large.

Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, praised the officers for their quick and professional actions. He urged parents and guardians to stay vigilant and protect their children, warning against being lured into trafficking schemes by financial hardship.

He reaffirmed the Command's unwavering commitment to defending the rights of children and encouraged the public to come forward with credible tips that can help fight this disturbing crime.