Mathew Amaechi
In a planned police operation Wednesday evening, authorities in Owerri, Imo State, foiled a daring child trafficking plot with the arrest of two women suspected of attempting to sell a four-year-old boy for ₦2.7 million.
According to officials, the victim—identified as Jaffa Umar, a Hausa-speaking toddler—was abducted in Abuja while he was hawking vegetables on the street. Intelligence provided to the Imo State Police Command and Zone 7 Police Headquarters in Abuja enabled swift action, culminating in an interception by the specialized Scorpion Unit at approximately 6:00 p.m. on April 14, 2025.
Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye detailed that the operation was a joint effort between state and federal law enforcement agencies. The two apprehended suspects, Joy Ugwu from Idah in Kogi State and Rosella Michael, a resident of Zamba in Abuja, were caught negotiating the sale of the kidnapped child. Authorities have also identified a third suspect—a nurse—who remains at large as investigations continue.
“Investigations revealed that the boy was abducted in Abuja while hawking vegetables and was then brought to Owerri, where the suspects were negotiating a sale for ₦2.7 million,” Okoye stated. The successful operation reveals the commitment of law enforcement to dismantle organized trafficking rings that prey on vulnerable members of society.
Following the operation, the child was swiftly reunited with his family. The prompt action has provided a ray of hope for communities across the region, highlighting the critical role of inter-agency cooperation in curbing criminal activities that threaten the safety of children.
The detained suspects have been transferred to the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja, where further investigations are underway. CP Aboki Danjuma, Commissioner of Police, emphasized that safeguarding children remains the top priority of the Imo State Police Command. “The protection of our children remains our utmost priority. We encourage anyone with information on such operations to reach out to the nearest police station or contact us via the emergency line at 0803 477 3600,” Danjuma urged.
This high-profile arrest has stirred public concern and calls for heightened vigilance. With child trafficking networks becoming more sophisticated and crossing state lines, authorities are intensifying efforts to track down other potential culprits involved in similar operations.
Local residents, already anxious about the proliferation of such criminal networks, are now reassured by the police’s proactive stance. Community leaders and child welfare advocates have lauded the swift response, urging for continued cooperation between the public and law enforcement to safeguard against future threats.
As investigations remain ongoing, law enforcement officials continue to appeal to the community for any additional information that could lead to further breakthroughs in the dismantling of these trafficking rings. The recent events serve as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of trafficking crimes and the relentless efforts required to combat them.
