Police rescue abducted child, arrest suspect in Abak
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has foiled a child abduction attempt in Abak Local Government Area, rescuing the victim and arresting a suspect.
According to the command, the incident occurred on Wednesday, January 22, 2026, around 2:40 pm, when police operatives promptly responded to a distress call reporting the forceful abduction of a female child.
The report was made by a 32-year-old man, Uwem, who informed the police that an unknown person had dragged a female pupil into a nearby bush. Acting swiftly on the alert, the Command immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.
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*The victim and mum
Etim Ekpimah
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has foiled a child abduction attempt in Abak Local Government Area, rescuing the victim and arresting a suspect.
According to the command, the incident occurred on Wednesday, January 22, 2026, around 2:40 pm, when police operatives promptly responded to a distress call reporting the forceful abduction of a female child.
The report was made by a 32-year-old man, Uwem, who informed the police that an unknown person had dragged a female pupil into a nearby bush. Acting swiftly on the alert, the Command immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.
In a rapid, coordinated and intelligence-driven operation, police operatives, working alongside vigilant youths in the community, combed the surrounding bush and adjoining areas. The operation led to the arrest of one Saturday Ofonmbuk, a 29-year-old man from Afaha Ikot Inyang Village in Ukanafun Local Government Area.
The operatives also successfully rescued a female child, aged about three years. The identity of the child has been withheld.
The child was found safe and unharmed and was immediately reunited with her family, bringing relief to the community and highlighting the effectiveness of timely police intervention.
Preliminary investigations are ongoing to establish the suspect’s motive, identify possible accomplices and determine whether he is linked to similar incidents within or outside the state.
The Command has called on any other victims or persons with useful information to come forward for identification and investigation. Such individuals are encouraged to report to the nearest police station or the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Uyo, without fear of intimidation.
The Police Command issued a stern warning to child abductors and other criminal elements, stressing that Akwa Ibom State is not a haven for crime. It said anyone involved in child abduction or related offences would be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on crimes against children, the Command assured residents of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
The police also commended the courage, vigilance and cooperation of community members, whose swift action and collaboration were instrumental to the success of the operation.
DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Azare, urged people to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities, noting that security is a collective responsibility.
