The Imo State Police Command has rescued 12 under-aged children suspected to have been trafficked from Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State to Aba in Abia State for street begging.
The operation, which took place along the Owerri-Aba Expressway on June 20, 2025, was carried out by operatives during a stop-and-search mission, according to a statement issued on Sunday evening by the police spokesperson, Henry Okoye.
Okoye disclosed that the officers arrested a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, from Umudim, Ohakelem in Ngor-Okpala LGA, in connection with the incident.
“The Imo State Police Command, through an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation, has arrested one Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, 42 years old, of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala LGA, and rescued twelve suspected stolen children on 20th June 2025 along the Owerri-Aba Express Road,” the statement read.
“This arrest led to the uncovering of a disturbing child trafficking network that exploited minors for street begging in Aba, Abia State.
“Upon her arrest, the suspect was found with several children whose appearance and condition immediately aroused suspicion. Consequently, the case was referred to the IGP X-Squad Unit for discreet investigation.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala LGA to Aba, where they were coerced into street begging. She further disclosed that proceeds from their activities were allegedly sent to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche LGA, Rivers State, where she claimed to be employed,” Okoye added.
The rescued children were identified as Chinyere Nnaralaeze, 10; Favour Madufor, 13; Ugochi Pius, 13; Ifeanyi Pius, 9; and Favour Timothy, 10. Others include Solomon Ihechi Chinuike, 7; Chinaza Madufor, 10; Nneoma Timothy, 9; Promise Maduenyenwa, 5; Gospel Chibuike, 9; Chinedu Maduenyiwa, 11; and Chinonso Paul, 10. All are from various communities in Ngor-Okpala LGA.
Okoye noted that the children are currently in the custody of the command and undergoing the process of identification, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to facilitate their reunion with parents and guardians.
He urged members of the public who may know the rescued children or their families to contact the X-Squad via 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, condemned the act and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of children in the state.
He assured the public that investigations were ongoing, with the promise that the outcome would be made known in due course.
The convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, was attacked by gunmen in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Ngige who confirmed the incident to newsmen, stated that he was not in the convoy when the attack occurred. He mentioned that several people were shot and injured.
“I was not in the convoy. I’m still alive and well. Those hoodlums have started again. I came to my state to relax, but what happened is unfortunate. I will go back to Abuja. But I assure those who did this, they will not go unpunished.” he said
The vehicles were reportedly returning from a mechanic workshop in Nkpor when the gunmen struck along the busy Umuoji–Nkpor Road leading to Alor, Ngige’s hometown.
According to Mr. Fred Chukwulobelu, Ngige’s former Special Adviser on Media, a policeman in the pilot car was shot, and the attackers, dressed in police and army uniforms, took away his gun and uniform.
He also confirmed that a woman filming the incident was fatally shot. He added that a shop owner who rushed out to see what was happening was also shot; he lost significant blood and is scheduled for surgery, but is expected to recover fully.
The pilot car was riddled with bullets, while the wounded escort leader has undergone surgery and is also expected to recover.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command said it has launched a state-wide manhunt for the perpetrators.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has pledged its support toward enhancing the nation’s military training institutions to ensure the production of highly skilled, professional, and battle-ready officers capable of addressing today’s evolving security challenges.
This commitment was highlighted during a recent assessment tour of key NAF training facilities, where senior Air Force officials stressed that the complexities of modern warfare require a higher level of preparedness from military personnel. They noted that operational success now depends on advanced technical competence, strategic leadership, and effective collaboration across the armed forces.
According to NAF leadership, several reforms are already underway to improve the quality of military education and training. These include curriculum upgrades, expansion of infrastructure, and the integration of modern training technologies such as digital simulations and mission-planning systems. The Air Force is also investing in enhanced instructor development to ensure officers receive world-class mentorship and combat readiness training.
The NAF further emphasized the importance of synergy among Nigeria’s military institutions and security agencies, noting that joint efforts are essential to preparing officers for multi-domain operations across air, land, maritime, cyber, and space fronts.
With these ongoing initiatives, the NAF says it remains committed to boosting professionalism within its ranks and strengthening the nation’s overall defense capability against insurgency, banditry, and other emerging threats.
Jonathan, who was in the country on a peace and democracy mission, became caught in the unfolding crisis after military officers seized control, suspended the electoral process, and detained several top officials. The development raised concerns within Nigeria’s diplomatic and security circles, prompting swift intervention from Abuja.
According to senior government sources, Nigeria is working with regional partners including ECOWAS and the African Union to ensure Jonathan’s safety and arrange his return. Officials confirmed that a coordinated evacuation plan is already in progress, with Nigeria’s security and foreign affairs teams maintaining communication with counterparts on the ground.
The House of Representatives increased the pressure earlier in the week when lawmakers passed a resolution calling on the Federal Government to use all necessary diplomatic methods to secure Jonathan’s return. They stressed that the safety of the former president, who continues to play a major role in promoting peace in the region, remains a national priority.
Beyond the concern for Jonathan, the Federal Government restated its condemnation of the military takeover, describing it as a threat to stability in West Africa. Nigeria has pledged to support multilateral efforts to restore constitutional order in Guinea Bissau and prevent further instability.
As the situation in Bissau continues to unfold, the Nigerian government assures the public that Jonathan is safe and that discussions with international partners are ongoing. Officials remain hopeful that the former president will return to Nigeria soon.
