The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully prevented the suspected trafficking of three children in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of two suspects after the victims were rescued through a joint effort involving local youths and security operatives.
The incident reportedly occurred along the Ekparakwa-Uyo Road, where the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to transport the children to an undisclosed destination.
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The arrested individuals were identified as Emmanuel Johnny, a native of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, and Ifiok Umoh from Oruk Anam Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued in Uyo on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed that vigilant youths in the Ekparakwa community acted on intelligence reports and mounted a roadblock that helped frustrate the suspected trafficking operation and secure the release of the children.
According to the police spokesperson, the command received an emergency report on June 3, 2026, at about 7 p.m., indicating that three children had been abducted in Mkpat Enin and were being transported out of the area.
Following the alert, police detectives swiftly launched an operation, deploying personnel to strategic locations and sealing off major routes in a bid to rescue the victims and apprehend those involved.
During the operation, officers intercepted a commercial minibus bearing registration number 830 PH, which matched the description provided by informants.
A search conducted on the vehicle led to the discovery of the three missing children concealed inside the bus. The victims were rescued safely, while the two suspects were immediately taken into custody.
DSP John identified the suspects as 39-year-old Emmanuel Johnny of Ikot Itokpo Village in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, who currently resides in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and 28-year-old Ifiok Umoh of Ikot Ikpene Village in Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
She confirmed that the rescued children have since been reunited with their families, while investigations into the case continue.
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended both the police operatives and members of the community for their prompt action, noting that the timely information provided by residents played a crucial role in the successful rescue mission.
The police chief has also ordered a thorough and discreet investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the suspected trafficking network for prosecution.
The command further urged members of the public to remain alert and continue sharing useful information with security agencies, assuring residents that all credible reports would be treated confidentially and acted upon promptly.
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