Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have rescued three children allegedly abducted in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state and arrested two suspected child traffickers.
The rescue operation followed a distress call received from a concerned resident on Wednesday, prompting a swift response by police detectives.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said officers immediately mobilised to the area and sealed off strategic entry and exit routes to prevent the suspects from escaping.
According to the statement, operatives intercepted a mini-bus with registration number 830 PH during an intensive search operation along Ikot Ekpaw Village.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the three missing children, who were found unharmed inside the bus.
The police arrested two suspects identified as Emmanuel Johnny, 39, from Ikot Itokpo Village in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, and Ifiok Umoh, 28, from Ikot Ikpene Village in Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
The statement read in part, “On June 3, 2026, at about 7:00 p.m., operatives of the command received a distress call from a concerned individual reporting the abduction of three children along Ikot Ekpaw Village in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
“Upon receipt of the report, detectives were immediately mobilised and all strategic entry and exit routes within the area were swiftly cordoned off in a coordinated operation aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending the perpetrators.
“During the intensive search, operatives intercepted a mini-bus. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the three missing children inside the bus. The children were rescued unharmed, while two suspects were arrested on the spot.”
The police said the rescued children have since been reunited with their families.
Commending the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, directed that a discreet investigation be carried out to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected child trafficking syndicate.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating child trafficking, abduction and other criminal activities across the state.
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