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

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command successfully rescued three missing children and apprehended two suspected child traffickers in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. The swift operation followed a distress call from a concerned resident on Wednesday evening, leading to the immediate mobilization of police to the scene.

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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.

Authorities cordoned off entry and exit routes in the area to prevent the suspects' escape. During a search of a bus identified by registration number 830 PH, police discovered the three children onboard. The children were found unharmed and have since been reunited with their families. The two arrested suspects were identified as Emmanuel Johnny, 39, and Ifiok Umoh, 28, both from different local government areas within the state.

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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.

The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Baba Azare, commended the operatives for their professionalism and ordered a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend any other members of the suspected trafficking syndicate. The command reiterated its commitment to combating child trafficking and other criminal activities within the state.

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During the intensive search, operatives intercepted a mini bus. 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.