By Deborah Nnamdi
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued three abducted children and arrested two suspected child traffickers during a coordinated operation in Ekparakwa village, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Thursday.
According to the statement, police operatives received a distress call around 7 p.m. on Wednesday from a concerned resident reporting the abduction of three children in the community.
Following the report, detectives were immediately deployed, while strategic entry and exit routes within the area were blocked as part of efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.
During the operation, officers intercepted a minibus with registration number 830 PH. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the three missing children inside.
The children were rescued unharmed, while two suspects believed to be involved in the alleged trafficking operation were arrested at the scene.
Police said the rescued children have since been reunited with their families, while the suspects remain in custody pending further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Azare, commended the swift response of the operatives and praised community members for providing timely information that contributed to the successful rescue.
Azare also ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network for prosecution.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling child trafficking, abduction, and other criminal activities, the commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information with security agencies.
He assured the public that all useful information provided to the police would be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
