Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have successfully rescued three abducted children and apprehended two suspected child traffickers during a coordinated operation carried out in Ekparakwa village, located in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state.
The rescue operation followed a distress report received by the command on Wednesday evening, prompting security operatives to launch an immediate search that ultimately led to the safe recovery of the victims.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday in Uyo by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Timfon John.
According to the police spokesperson, the command received information at about 7 p.m. on Wednesday from a concerned resident who reported the suspected abduction of three children in the Ekparakwa community.
Upon receiving the alert, police authorities swiftly activated emergency response measures and deployed detectives to the area to prevent the suspected traffickers from escaping with the victims.
John explained that officers immediately secured strategic entry and exit points within and around the community as part of a coordinated operation aimed at tracking down the suspects and ensuring the safe recovery of the children.
She stated that the operation involved intensive surveillance and monitoring of major routes that could potentially be used by the perpetrators to move the victims out of the area.
During the course of the operation, security operatives intercepted a minibus bearing registration number 830 PH, which was considered suspicious based on intelligence gathered during the search.
According to the statement, a comprehensive search of the vehicle was conducted by the operatives, leading to the discovery of the three missing children inside the bus.
The police spokesperson disclosed that the children were found unharmed and were immediately taken into protective custody by security personnel.
She added that two suspects believed to be connected to the alleged trafficking operation were arrested at the scene and taken into custody for further investigation.
“The children were rescued unharmed, while two suspects were arrested on the spot,” the statement noted.
Following the successful operation, the rescued children were reunited with their families, bringing relief to relatives and members of the community who had been worried about their safety.
The arrested suspects, meanwhile, remain in police custody as investigators continue efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether additional individuals may be connected to the alleged crime.
John further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Baba Azare, commended the professionalism, prompt response and dedication displayed by the officers involved in the operation.
The police commissioner also praised residents whose timely information and vigilance contributed significantly to the success of the rescue mission.
According to the command, the operation highlights the importance of cooperation between security agencies and members of the public in combating criminal activities, particularly crimes involving children.
Azare reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring that individuals involved in child trafficking and related offences are identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police authority further assured residents that efforts are ongoing to strengthen security measures across communities in the state to prevent similar incidents.
The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime and safeguarding lives.
The successful rescue operation has been welcomed by residents and community leaders, who commended the swift intervention of the police and expressed hope that the suspects would face the full weight of the law if found culpable.
The incident also underscores growing concerns over child trafficking and child-related crimes, prompting renewed calls for greater community awareness and vigilance to protect children from criminal networks operating across different parts of the country.
Police authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing and that further updates will be provided as more details emerge from the case.
