Police rescue three abducted children, arrest two suspects
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have rescued three abducted children and arrested two suspected child traffickers during an operation in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
The rescue operation followed a distress call received by the police on June 3, 2026, at about 7:00 pm from a concerned individual reporting the abduction of three children along Ekparakwa Village in Mkpat Enin.
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*Three rescued children
Etim Ekpimah
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have rescued three abducted children and arrested two suspected child traffickers during an operation in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
The rescue operation followed a distress call received by the police on June 3, 2026, at about 7:00 pm from a concerned individual reporting the abduction of three children along Ekparakwa Village in Mkpat Enin.
Acting swiftly on the report, detectives mobilised and cordoned off strategic entry and exit routes within the area in a coordinated effort to rescue the victims and apprehend the suspects.
During the operation, operatives intercepted a mini-bus with registration number 830 PH. A 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 at the scene.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Johnny, 39, from Ikot Itokpo Village in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, who currently resides in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Ifiok Umoh, 28, from Ikot Ikpene Village in Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
Police said the rescued children had since been reunited with their families, while the suspects remained in custody pending further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the swift response of operatives and the vigilance of community members whose timely information aided the successful rescue.
“The prompt response of our operatives, combined with credible information from vigilant members of the public, was instrumental in the successful rescue of the children,” the commissioner said.
He directed that a discreet and comprehensive investigation be carried out to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal syndicate for prosecution.
“We will ensure that every individual connected to this criminal network is identified, arrested and brought to justice,” he stated.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating child trafficking, abduction and other crimes across the state.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
“We remain committed to protecting lives and property across Akwa Ibom State. Members of the public should continue to support security agencies with useful information, which will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” Azare added.
The statement was signed and made available to newsmen on June 4, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John.
