By Sunday Bassey
The Police Command in Akwa Ibom, has rescued three abducted children and arrested two suspected child traffickers along Ekparakwa village in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Thursday.
John said that at about 7p.m., on Wednesday, the operative of the command received a distress call through a concerned individual, reporting the abduction of three children along Ekparakwa village in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
She said on 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.
She said during the intensive search, operatives intercepted a mini bus with registration number 830 PH. According to her, a thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the three missing children inside the bus. She said the children were rescued unharmed, while two suspects were arrested on the spot.
The police spokesperson said the rescued children had since been reunited with their families, while the suspects remain in police custody.
She added that the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Baba Azare, had commended the swift response of the operatives and the vigilance of community members whose timely information aided the successful rescue operation.
Azare also directed that a discreet and comprehensive investigation be carried out to identify and arrest other members of the criminal syndicate for prosecution.
He reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to combating child trafficking, abduction, and all forms of crime across the state. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
The CP assured that every useful information received would be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
NAN
