Police foil child trafficking plot in Akwa Ibom, nab 2 suspects

By Uko Etim

UYO— Akwa Ibom State Police disrupted an attempted abduction of three children in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, arresting two suspects after local youths intervened.

The incident took place on Ekparakwa Road, where the would‑be traffickers tried to flee with the children.

The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Johnny, 39, from Ikot Etobo village in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, and Ifiok Umoh, 28, from Ikot Ikpene in Oruk Anam council area.

A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Timfon, said that Ekparakwa community members set up a roadblock after receiving a tip, leading to the rescue of the victims.

“On 3rd June, 2026, at about 1900hrs, Operatives of the Command received a distress call from a concerned individual reporting the abduction of three children in Mkpat Enin local government area but were intercepted along Ekparakwa-Uyo road as the suspects escaped with the children to their destination,” the officer said.

“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 police said they intercepted a minibus with registration number 830 PH during the search.

John said the vehicle was searched and the children were found inside the minibus, about to be taken to an unknown destination.

“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,” he added.

“The suspects arrested were Emmanuel Johnny, male, 39 years, of Ikot Itokpo Village, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, currently residing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Ifiok Umoh, male, 28 years from Ikot Ikpene Village, Oruk Anam Local Government Area.”

John said the rescued children have been reunited with their families, while the suspects remain in police custody.

He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the swift response of the operatives and the vigilance of community members whose timely information helped secure the successful rescue.

John disclosed that CP Azare has directed a discreet and comprehensive investigation to identify and arrest other members of the criminal syndicate for prosecution.

“The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring that every useful piece of information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”

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