Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have rescued three children suspected to have been abducted and arrested two alleged child traffickers in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
The operation was carried out on Wednesday along Ikot Ekpaw Village after police received an emergency report from a concerned resident.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John.
According to the statement, officers swiftly deployed to the area and sealed off strategic entry and exit points as part of efforts to locate the children and apprehend those involved.
A subsequent search operation led to the interception of a bus bearing registration number 830 PH. Police officers reportedly found the three missing children inside the vehicle.
The children were rescued safely, while two suspects were taken into custody.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Johnny, 39, of Ikot Itokpo Village in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, and Ifiok Umoh, 28, of Ikot Ikpene Village in Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
The statement read, “On 3rd June, 2026, at about 1900hrs, Operatives of the Command received a distress call through 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.”
Police said the rescued children have since been reunited with their families.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, praised the operatives for their prompt response and professionalism. He also directed that a discreet investigation be conducted to uncover and arrest other members of the suspected trafficking network.
Azare reaffirmed the command’s resolve to tackle child trafficking, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.
