Akpan Umoh, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested eight suspects for abduction of minors, child labour and illegal mining.
Commandant Eluyemi Eluwade, who is the State Commandant of NSCDC in Akwa Ibom State this while briefing newsmen in Uyo on Thursday.
Eluwade said that the command received a report of the abduction of a 14-year-old Wisdom Ifiok, who was declared missing in January 2023.
He said that the command on January 4 raided the residence in Ndon Ebom in Uruan Local Government Area of the state where the boy was kept and arrested seven suspects.
“We received credible intelligence about a 14-year-old boy, Wisdom Aniekpeno Ifiok, who had been declared missing since January 2023.
“On Monday, January 4, 2024, my personnel raided the apartment where he was seen in Ndon Ebom village in Uruan LGA and arrested seven suspects.
“The minor was taken for one year without the consent of his parents and was used to carry out fishing activities in riverine areas up to the high sea into Cameroon.
“The key suspect, who was the master to the minor, Mr Otobong Anietie Udoekong is currently undergoing investigation for criminal conspiracy, abduction of a minor and subjecting the victim to child labour.
“Other suspects are being profiled to ascertain their level of involvement,” Eluwade said.
Eluwade added that the command on another operation on Jan. 5 arrested one Peter Okon, who was carrying out mining activities along Ekpri Nsukara in Uyo without a mining license.
The commandant said that the command impounded two tipper trucks and a Peugeot car used in the illegal mining.
He warned that mining without a license is illegal, stressing that illegal miners do not consider the environment as their activity endangers lives and robs the Government of revenue.
The commandant assured that the NSCDC will not relent in combating illegal mining in Akwa Ibom.
Eluwade called on all Akwa Ibom people and residents to shun all forms of crimes as the command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute all criminals to keep the state safe.
He said that the suspects involved in the abduction and child labour will be handed over to the relevant agency after profiling and investigation.