In a decisive move against child trafficking, the Enugu State Police Command has dismantled multiple syndicates operating locally and transnationally. Between June 30 and July 16, 2025, coordinated operations led to the rescue of six children and the arrest of ten suspects connected to various rings targeting vulnerable minors.
Enugu Police Bust Child Trafficking Syndicates (June 30–July 16, 2025)
Key Outcomes
- 6 children rescued (local & transnational cases)
- 10 suspects arrested
- 1 child trafficked to Ghana, now recovered
- Multiple syndicates dismantled across Enugu State
Major Operations by Date
| Date | Operation Summary |
|---|---|
| June 30 | – 11-month-old girl rescued in salon heist attempt – Baby sold for ₦1.4M recovered in Nsukka |
| July 3 | Teen mom, her mother & another woman arrested for selling newborn |
| July 4 | 14-year-old trafficked to Ghana rescued Two traffickers arrested |
| July 13 | Toddler abducted from cattle market in Awkunanaw; reunited with mother |
| July 15–16 | 2 children (aged 12 & 16) bought and renamed by elderly couple; 3 suspects arrested |
Rescued Victims
| Name | Age | Sex | Origin | Rescue Date | Renamed As |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loveth Mfonobong | 16 | F | Affi (unknown) | July 15 | Chiaha Ifunanya |
| Benjamin Alex Okon | 12 | M | Oron, Akwa Ibom | July 15 | Chiaha Udochukwu |
| Unknown (baby girl) | <1 | F | Nsukka | June 30 | — |
| Baby boy | 1y7m | M | Enugu | July 13 | — |
| Newborn baby | <1 | F | Enugu | June 30 | — |
| Ghana trafficking case | 14 | F | Nigeria → Ghana | July 4 | — |
Key Suspects
- Chiaha Josephine (64), buyer of 2 children
- Ozomma Christopher (67), accomplice
- Ilo Caroline (55), involved in child sale
- Chiemerie Daniel Onwe (28), caught stealing toddler
- Mirabel Oluebube (21) & Udenze Ifeanyi (32), trafficked girl to Ghana
- Chinenye Ozoagu (16), sold her newborn
- Ogochukwu Ozoagu (31) & Chidinma Ukpai (40), co-conspirators
- Ogbuzuru Ifebuche (36), attempted salon theft
Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, alongside Neighbourhood Watch, apprehended Josephine Chiaha (64) and Christopher Ubanagum (67).
Two trafficked minors were rescued: 16-year-old Loveth Mfonobong, renamed “Chiaha Ifunanya”, and 12-year-old Benjamin Alex Okon, renamed “Chiaha Udochukwu”. Josephine confessed to purchasing Loveth in 2021 for ₦900,000 and Benjamin in 2024 for ₦1,400,000. Caroline Ilo (55) was arrested the following day for her involvement.
A 1-year-7-month-old boy was rescued after Chiemerie Daniel OnweIn a cross-border case, Mirabel Oluebube (21) was arrested for trafficking a 14-year-old girl to Ghana. With her confession, Udenze Ifeanyi (32) was also apprehended. The victim was rescued and reunited with her family; both suspects remain in correctional custody.
(28) allegedly abducted him from his mother’s stall at New Garriki Cattle Market. Police apprehended Onwe with the child, who was safely returned to his mother. The suspect has been arraigned and remanded.
Chinenye Ozoagu (16), her mother Ogochukwu (31), and Chidinma Ukpai (40) were caught in a baby-selling scheme after Chinenye reportedly sold her newborn for ₦1.4 million. The child was found in Nsukka, though the buyer escaped.
Ogbuzuru Ifebuche (36) was nabbed attempting to abduct an 11-month-old baby from a salon. An alert mother’s quick reaction and assistance from bystanders helped thwart the theft before police took control of the situation.
While 10 suspects are in custody, police continue their search for accomplices still at large. All remaining suspects will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, PSC, praised the tactical precision and swift response of the operatives. He urged parents to remain vigilant, discouraging any involvement in child trafficking schemes often disguised as economic opportunities. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to stamping out crimes targeting children and appealed for prompt public assistance in providing credible information.
