Police rescue three missing children in A’Ibom, arrest two suspects

Police rescue three missing children in A’Ibom, arrest two suspects

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have intercepted a bus conveying three missing children and arrested two suspected child traffickers in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred on Wednesday along Ikot Ekpaw Village, following a distress call from a resident.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John.

According to the statement, operatives immediately mobilised to the area and cordoned off entry and exit routes in a coordinated operation.

During a search of a bus with registration number 830 PH, police discovered the three missing children onboard.

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, and Ifiok Umoh, 28, from 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 minibus. 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.”

The statement said the children had been reunited with their families.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, commended the operatives for their professionalism and ordered a discreet investigation to track down other members of the suspected trafficking syndicate.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating child trafficking, abduction and other forms of crime in the state.