Heartbreaking tales emerge as rescued infants await reunion with families
The Abia State Police Command has uncovered a major child-trafficking network in Aba, rescuing 18 children — including eight infants — and arresting 10 suspects in what authorities described as a breakthrough against a “ruthless criminal cartel” operating across the southeast.
In a press statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, revealed that the operation began after a distress report was lodged at the Ohuru Isimiri Divisional Headquarters concerning the disappearance of two children brought from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, by their mother.
According to police accounts, the victim — whose identity was withheld for security reasons — arrived in Aba on September 27, 2025, with her two children at the invitation of a man who deceitfully posed as her suitor. Shortly after her arrival, he persuaded her to get food while he “watched over the children.” Tragically, by the time she returned, both the man and her children had vanished.
Armed with credible intelligence, detectives from the command launched a sting operation on October 8, 2025, storming a residential building in Aba, where eight children were discovered and five suspects arrested. Those apprehended include Mrs. Best Ndubusi (41), Charles Enyinnaya (25), Eunice Ezekiel (35), Nnena Kalu (60), and Gideon Esther (25).
Further investigation led to a second raid the following day, October 9, at another location along the Aba–Owerri Road, where seven infants and three children were rescued. Four more suspects — Obiegbunam Von (65), Ezeoma Rejoice (21), Ngozi Owoh (20), and Favour Ernest (22) — were arrested in connection with the heinous trade.
In a follow-up operation on October 10, the police apprehended another suspect, Brittney Oyemuwa Zion (22), and rescued an additional child.
All suspects are currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Umuahia, while efforts are underway to identify the biological parents of the rescued children.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, praised the swift and coordinated response of the command’s operatives, describing the operation as “a strong statement of our zero-tolerance stance against child trafficking and human exploitation.”
> “We will not relent until every child in Abia State is safe and every criminal behind this inhumane business is brought to justice,” the CP vowed.
He further appealed to parents and guardians to remain vigilant, closely monitor their children, and promptly report any suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, the police have urged members of the public whose children are missing to visit the Gender Section of the SCID, Umuahia, for possible identification and reunion with the rescued victims.
PIONEER NEWS 