Enugu State Police Command Cracks Down on Child Trafficking

Strategic Insights -

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected traffickers in a coordinated operation between June 30 and July 16, 2025. According to the command's spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, the arrested individuals were involved in both local and transnational child trafficking networks. During the raids, six stolen and trafficked children were rescued, including a one-year-and-seven-month-old male child and a 14-year-old girl who had been trafficked to Ghana.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Enugu State Police Command arrested 10 suspected traffickers involved in local and transnational child trafficking networks.
  • The arrested individuals were involved in buying children for a total sum of N2.3m, with one confessed to buying two children for N1.3m.
  • Six stolen and trafficked children were rescued, including a one-year-and-seven-month-old male child and a 14-year-old girl who had been trafficked to Ghana.
  • The arrested suspects confessed to buying children between 2021 and 2024 for varying sums of money.
  • Chiaha Josephine (64) and Ozomma Christopher Ubanagum (67) were arrested in Ezeagu LGA.
  • Efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the syndicates at large.

Statistics:

  • N2.3m: the total sum paid by the suspected traffickers for buying children.
  • 10: the number of suspected traffickers arrested by the Enugu State Police Command.
  • 6: the number of stolen and trafficked children rescued during the raids.
  • 2021: the year in which Chiaha Josephine bought Loveth Mfonobong for N900,000.
  • 2024: the year in which Chiaha Josephine bought Benjamin Alex Okon for N1,400,000.
  • 9:30 pm: the time at which Chiaha Josephine and Ozomma Christopher Ubanagum were arrested on July 15, 2025.

Sources:

  • Enugu State Police Command's statement on July 2025
  • Daily Nigerian (no specific date mentioned)