The Enugu State Police Command achieved a significant victory against child trafficking, rescuing six children and apprehending ten suspects in a series of coordinated operations conducted between June 30 and July 16, 2025. This breakthrough underscores the command’s unwavering dedication to combating this heinous crime within the state. The rescued children, victims of both local and transnational trafficking networks, included a toddler and a teenager who had been taken to Ghana. The arrests and rescues represent a major stride in dismantling these criminal enterprises and safeguarding vulnerable children.
One of the key operations took place on July 15, 2025, when the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, collaborating with Neighbourhood Watch members, apprehended two individuals, Chiaha Josephine and Ozomma Christopher Ubanagum, in Ezeagu Local Government Area. They were found to be in possession of two trafficked children, Loveth Mfonobong, a 16-year-old girl, and Benjamin Alex Okon, a 12-year-old boy. Josephine confessed to purchasing Loveth for ₦900,000 in 2021 and Benjamin for ₦1,400,000 in 2024, revealing the disturbing financial aspect of this criminal trade. This particular case highlights the exploitation of children for profit and the urgent need to address the demand side of child trafficking.
The rescue of the one-year-and-seven-month-old male child and the 14-year-old girl trafficked to Ghana demonstrates the transnational nature of these criminal networks. The complexity of these operations requires inter-agency and international cooperation to effectively combat child trafficking across borders. The fact that such young children are targeted emphasizes the vulnerability of this population and the ruthless nature of the perpetrators. The rescue of these children represents a significant win for law enforcement and offers hope for the reunification of these children with their families.
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, lauded the professionalism and rapid response of the operatives involved in these successful operations. He emphasized the importance of community vigilance and parental responsibility in protecting children from falling prey to traffickers. His message underscores the need for a collaborative approach involving law enforcement, community members, and families in safeguarding children. The commissioner’s call for vigilance serves as a reminder that child trafficking is a societal problem requiring a collective effort to combat.
The Enugu State Police Command’s commitment to combating crimes against children extends beyond these successful operations. They have pledged to continue their efforts and bring the remaining suspects to justice. The command has also emphasized the importance of public cooperation in providing timely and credible information to aid in their fight against child trafficking. This highlights the crucial role of community engagement and information sharing in disrupting these criminal networks and preventing future instances of child exploitation.
The ongoing investigations and the pursuit of other members of the syndicate demonstrate the command’s dedication to dismantling these criminal organizations entirely. The commitment to bringing all those involved to justice sends a strong message that child trafficking will not be tolerated. By pursuing all members of the trafficking rings, the police aim to disrupt the entire operation, from those who procure the children to those who exploit them, ultimately working towards creating a safer environment for children in the state and beyond. The successful operations and ongoing investigations serve as a powerful deterrent and offer hope for a future where children are protected from this horrific crime.
