The Abia State Police Command has announced the rescue of eight infants and ten abducted children during a coordinated crackdown on a suspected child trafficking ring operating in Aba and nearby areas.
The operation also resulted in the arrest of ten individuals allegedly linked to conspiracy and child theft.
According to a statement issued to Channels Television by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen C. Chinaka, the operation was initiated after a distress report was filed on September 27, 2025, at the Ohuru Isimiri Divisional Headquarters.
The statement reads, “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. On arrival in Aba, the man asked her to get food for herself and the children while he stayed 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 intelligence, officers of the Command, on 08/10/2025, raided a location suspected to be used for harboring stolen children. Five suspects — Mrs. Best Ndubusi, Charles Enyinnaya, Eunice Ezekiel, Nnena Kalu, and Gideon Esther — were arrested, and one infant along with seven children were rescued.
Continuing the operation, on 09/10/2025, operatives stormed another property along Aba/Owerri Road, arresting four more suspects identified as Obiegbunam Von, Ezeoma Rejoice, Ngozi Owoh, and Favour Ernest. Seven infants and three children were recovered from the site.
On 10/10/2025, another suspect, Brittney Oyemuwa Zion, was taken into custody, and one additional child was rescued. The investigation has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further action.
All arrested suspects remain in custody as investigations continue at SCID, Abia Command.
The police are urging families searching for missing children to report to the Gender Section of SCID or contact the Officer-in-Charge (OC Gender) at 08033173846.
Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, reiterated the Command’s resolve to combat criminal activities and protect residents, aligning with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police.
He further called on citizens to stay alert, ensure proper supervision of their children, and immediately report any suspicious behavior to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency hotlines.