Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested two suspected human traffickers and rescued three children in a foiled trafficking attempt in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of the state.
The Command said the children, all from the same family, were rescued at Ekparakwa community following a coordinated operation triggered by a distress call from a concerned resident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this to journalists on Thursday at the Command headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, said the operation followed swift intelligence response and tactical deployment by detectives.
According to her, the Command received a report on June 3, 2026, at about 7:00pm, indicating that three children had been abducted along Ekparakwa village.
She said operatives immediately mobilised and cordoned off strategic entry and exit routes within the area in a bid to track down the suspects and rescue the victims unharmed.
“Upon receipt of the report, detectives were immediately mobilized, 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,” she said.
During the operation, police intercepted a mini bus with registration number 830 PH. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the three abducted children inside.
The children were rescued unharmed, while two suspects were arrested on the spot.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Johnny, 39, from Ikot Itokpo village in Nsit Ubium LGA but resident in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and his alleged accomplice, Ifiok Umoh, 28, from Ikot Ikpene village in Oruk Anam LGA.
DSP John said the children have since been reunited with their families, while the suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, commended the operatives for their swift response and praised members of the public for providing timely information that aided the rescue operation.
He ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation to uncover other members of the trafficking syndicate and ensure their prosecution.
The police boss also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling child trafficking, abduction, and other crimes across the state, while urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence.
