Two suspects are now cooling their heels in the custody of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command over the abduction of three children in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
DSP Timfon John, LLB, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), made this known in a press release made available to newsmen in Uyo on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
According to DSP John, Operatives of the Command on June 3, 2026, at about 1900 hrs, received a distress call through a concerned individual, reporting the abduction of three children along Ikot Ekpaw Village in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
The PPRO said upon receiving the report, detectives were immediately mobilised, and all strategic entry and exit routes within the area were swiftly cordoned off to ensure a coordinated operation to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
She said that in the course of the intensive search, men of Command intercepted a minibus with registration number 830 PH, and upon searching the vehicle, they found the three missing children inside the bus, adding that the children were rescued unharmed. At the same time, two suspects were arrested on the spot.
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According to her, the suspects were identified as Emmanuel Johnny, a 39-year-old man from Ikot Itokpo Village, Nsit Ubium LGA, currently residing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Ifiok Umoh, a 28-year-old man from Ikot Ikpene Village, Oruk Anam LGA.
DSP John confirmed that the rescued children have since been reunited with their families, while the suspects are in police custody.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has commended the swift response of the operatives and the vigilance of community members whose timely information aided the successful rescue operation.
The Commissioner has further 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.
The Commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring that every useful piece of information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
