The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully rescued three children who were allegedly abducted in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state and arrested two individuals suspected of involvement in child trafficking activities.
The development was disclosed on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in a statement issued in Uyo, the state capital.
According to the police spokesperson, the operation was launched after authorities received a distress alert from a concerned resident who reported the suspected abduction of three children in Ekparakwa village, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
John explained that the report was received at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting an immediate response from security operatives.
Upon receiving the information, detectives and other police personnel were swiftly mobilised to the area, while strategic entry and exit points within the locality were placed under surveillance as part of efforts to prevent the suspects from escaping with the victims.
She stated that the operation involved coordinated security measures aimed at locating the missing children and apprehending those responsible for the crime.
During the search operation, police officers intercepted a minibus bearing registration number 830 PH, which had attracted suspicion during the exercise.
A detailed search conducted on the vehicle led to the discovery of the three children who had earlier been reported missing.
The police confirmed that the children were rescued safely without sustaining any injuries during the incident.
Following the rescue, two suspects believed to be connected to the alleged trafficking operation were arrested at the scene and taken into custody for further investigation.
According to the statement, the rescued children have since been reunited with their families, bringing relief to relatives and members of the community who had expressed concern over their disappearance.
The police added that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether the suspects are linked to a wider criminal network involved in child trafficking and abduction activities.
DSP John further revealed that the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Baba Azare, commended the prompt response of the officers involved in the operation and acknowledged the role played by vigilant residents whose timely information contributed to the successful rescue mission.
The Commissioner also directed investigators to carry out a thorough and discreet inquiry into the matter with a view to identifying and arresting any other persons connected to the crime.
According to him, law enforcement agencies remain determined to dismantle criminal syndicates involved in child trafficking and other related offences across the state.
Azare reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting children and vulnerable members of society, stressing that the police would continue to intensify efforts to combat kidnapping, trafficking and other criminal activities.
He also encouraged residents to remain watchful and continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information capable of preventing crime and enhancing public safety.
The Commissioner assured members of the public that all useful information provided to the police would be treated with strict confidentiality and used appropriately in the interest of security and justice.
The rescue operation adds to ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb child trafficking and abduction in different parts of the country, amid increasing calls for stronger measures to protect children and dismantle criminal networks targeting minors.
