A’Ibom police foil kidnap attempt, apprehend two suspects

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has thwarted an attempted abduction of three children in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of two suspected child traffickers.

The suspects, identified as Emmanuel Johnny of Ikot Etobo village in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area and Ifiok Umoh from Ikot Ikpene in Oruk Anam Local Government Area, were apprehended after community youths intervened and rescued the children.

The incident occurred along Ekparakwa Road as the suspects allegedly attempted to flee the area with the victims.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Uyo, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said vigilant youths in the Ekparakwa community acted on a tip-off and mounted a roadblock, successfully intercepting the suspects and preventing the children from being taken away.

According to the police spokesperson, the swift response by the community members led to the safe rescue of the three children and the arrest of the suspects, who are now in police custody.

The command said investigations have commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to uncover any wider child trafficking network that may be connected to the suspects.

Police authorities also commended the youths for their vigilance and cooperation, urging residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies to help combat crime and protect vulnerable members of society.

“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 in Mkpat Enin local government area but were intercepted along Ekparakwa-Uyo road as the suspects escaped with the children to their destination.”

“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.”

According to the police spokesperson, during the intensive search, operatives intercepted a minibus with Registration Number 830 PH.

John said the vehicle was searched and the children were found inside the minibus as they were 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.”

“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.

She said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has commended the swift response of the operatives and the vigilance of community members whose timely information aided the successful rescue of the victims.

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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