Police arrest 10 suspected child traffickers, rescue 18 children in Abia State

The Abia State Police Command has rescued eight infants and ten stolen children during a coordinated operation targeting a child trafficking syndicate operating in Aba and surrounding areas.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen C. Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, October 10, 2025, noting that the operation also led to the arrest of ten suspects linked to the network.

According to the PPRO, the investigation began after a report was filed at the Ohuru Isimiri Divisional Headquarters alleging that a woman from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, had been lured to Aba by a man under the pretext of marriage, only to be abducted along with her two children upon arrival.

Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives raided a residence where the stolen children were being held, arrested five suspects, and rescued eight children during the operation.

Further investigation led to the arrest of five more suspects and rescue of seven infants and four children.

The PPRO identified the suspects as Mrs. Best Ndubusi, Female, 41yrs, of Apaa Osokwa, Osisioma LGA, Abia State. 2. Charles Enyinnaya, Male, 25yrs, of Umuogele Ovom, Aba South LGA, Abia State. 3. Eunice Ezekiel, Female, 35yrs, of No. 1 Foursquare, Umukalika, Aba South LGA, Abia State, 4. Nnena Kalu, Female, 60yrs, of Osisioma LGA, Abia State, 5. Gideon Esther, Female, 25yrs, of Amalek by Amencha 7Up, Aba, Abia State, 6. Obiegbunam Von, Female, 65yrs, of Aba, Abia State, 7. Ezeoma Rejoice, Female, 21yrs, of Aba, Abia State, 8. Ngozi Owoh, Female, 20yrs, of Aba, Abia State, 9. Favour Ernest, Female, 22yrs, of Aba, Abia State, 10. Brittney Oyemuwa Zion, Male, 22yrs, of Amuoji Uku, Obingwa LGA, Abia State

“On 27/09/2025 at about 09:40hrs, a complaint was received at Ohuru Isimiri police Divisional Headquarters that a young woman from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, came to Aba with her two children (male and female) lured by a young man under the guise of marriage,” the statement read.

“On arrival in Aba, the man asked her to get food for herself and the children while he stays with the children. On her return, she did not see the man and her children, and all efforts to reach him proved abortive.

“Acting on credible and actionable intelligence, officers of the Command on 08/10/2025 stormed a residence where stolen children were suspected to be kept, apprehended five suspects namely: Mrs. Best Ndubusi, Charles Enyinnaya, Eunice Ezekiel, Nnena Kalu, and Gideon Esther, and rescued one infant and seven children.

“In furtherance of the investigation, on 09/10/2025, officers of the Command, stormed another residence along Aba/Owerri Road where more stolen children were kept. Four suspects namely: Obiegbunam Von, Ezeoma Rejoice, Ngozi Owoh, and Favour Ernest, were arrested and seven infants and three children were rescued.

“Today, 10/10/2025, officers of the Command apprehended another suspect, Brittney Oyemuwa Zion, and rescued one child. Investigation is ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

“Members of the public in search of their missing or stolen infants/children are advised to visit the Gender Section of the SCID, Abia State Command, or contact the OC Gender via 08033173846.

“The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents for sustainable socio-economic and political development in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police.

“The CP further urges the good people of Abia State to remain security conscious, ensure proper supervision of their wards and children, and promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.”