The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it has rescued 12 children and arrested a couple for allegedly operating an illegal orphanage and engaging in suspected child trafficking in Aba.

Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Police Command, Maureen Chinaka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), disclosed this via a statement on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Umuahia, Abia State.

She said that the suspects, identified as 49-year-old Blessing Emebo and 42-year-old Sunday Emebo, were apprehended on May 19, 2025, by detectives acting on credible intelligence.

The couple was discovered operating an unregistered motherless babies’ home from their residence along Ikot Ekpene Road, Aba, where 12 children aged between two months and 14 years were found.

The children, reportedly taken from different villages in Arochukwu, have been handed over to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs for proper care and custody.

Among the rescued victims are: 14-year-old Ojiugo Caleb, 12-year-old Christian Okoro, 13-year-old Samuel Okoro, 9-year-old Clinton Nkemakolam, 10-year-old Godwin Emmanuel, 6-year-old Osinachi Nkemakolam, 5-year-old Marvelous Emmanuel, 7-year-old David Emmanuel, 2-months-old Testimony Emebo, 9-year-old Ogechi Nkemakolam, 9-year-old Chinaza Okoro and 7-year-old Anointing Okoro.

The suspects are currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Umuahia and are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Police Command urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid entrusting children to unfamiliar individuals, and promptly report any suspicious activity involving minors.

Members of the public can reach the police via the following hotlines: 08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210003, or 08079210005.

The command reiterated its commitment to eradicating criminal activities in the state and safeguarding the welfare of children.