Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have rescued three children who were allegedly abducted in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, following a swift operation that also led to the arrest of two suspected child traffickers.
The successful rescue operation was carried out along the Ekparakwa axis of the local government area after police received information about the movement of the missing children.
Confirming the development in a statement issued in Uyo, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Timfon John, said the rescue followed a distress report received from a concerned resident on Wednesday evening.
According to the police spokesperson, the report alerted security operatives to the alleged abduction of three children in the Ekparakwa community, prompting an immediate response by detectives and other security personnel.
She explained that police teams were rapidly deployed to strategic locations within and around the area, while major entry and exit routes were placed under surveillance in an effort to intercept the suspects and ensure the safe recovery of the victims.
The operation, she noted, formed part of a coordinated effort to track down those responsible and prevent the children from being moved out of the area.
During the search, police operatives intercepted a commercial minibus bearing registration number 830 PH, which was considered suspicious based on intelligence gathered during the operation.
A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the three missing children inside the bus.
According to the police, the children were rescued unharmed and taken into protective custody, while two suspects believed to be connected to the incident were arrested at the scene.
The command disclosed that the children have since been reunited with their families after preliminary investigations and necessary identification procedures were completed.
Meanwhile, the two suspects remain in police custody and are expected to face further investigation as authorities work to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction.
Timfon John said the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Baba Azare, commended the professionalism and prompt action of the operatives involved in the rescue mission.
The police commissioner also praised members of the public for providing timely and credible information that assisted security agencies in locating the children and apprehending the suspects.
He encouraged residents to continue supporting law enforcement agencies with useful information, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the fight against kidnapping, child trafficking, and other criminal activities across the state.
The police command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that efforts would continue to ensure the safety of children and other vulnerable members of society.
