Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Command have successfully smashed a human trafficking syndicate operating within the state, leading to the rescue of seven victims and the arrest of four suspects involved in the criminal act.
DSP Timfon, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Akwa Ibom State Command, stated this in a press release issued in Uyo on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
According to DSP John, the Command, acting on credible intelligence, swiftly mobilised a patrol team to conduct a coordinated stop-and-search operation on Friday, March 13, 2026, at about 0800 hours, along Ikot Ekpene – Aba Road, following reports that a vehicle conveying young persons was suspected to be carrying out human trafficking.
“During the operation, the suspected vehicle was intercepted, and four victims were immediately rescued, while the suspect conveying them was arrested and taken into custody for interrogation,” she said.
The PPRO added that further investigation and interrogation of the suspect led to the expansion of the operation to Itam in Itu LGA, and Ibaka in Mbo LGA, where three additional victims were rescued and three more suspects apprehended, bringing the total number of rescued victims to seven and suspects arrested to four, including foreign nationals.
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In a preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the trafficking syndicate specialises in recruiting and transporting young people across borders for exploitation.
Intelligence further gathered that one of the ring leaders had earlier escaped through the waterways from Ibaka in Mbo to Cameroon and Gabon with some victims.
The victims rescued include Asana Wohabu (F), 18 years, Cotonou, Benin Republic; Fusina Seru (F), 20 years, Cotonou, Benin Republic; Mulica Ismali (F), 20 years, Oyo State, Nigeria; Saidat Ismali (F), 19 years, Oyo State, Nigeria; Safura Ismali (F), 20 years, Oyo State, Nigeria; Latif Ali (M), 19 years, Cotonou, Benin Republic; and Malike Michel (M), Lome, Togo.
The suspects, now cooling their feet in police custody, are Udeme Jacob (F), 20 years, Mbo LGA; Effiong Ekop (M), Ibiono Ibom LGA; John Okon (M), Mbo LGA; and Ndukwe Ogbonnaya (F), Bende LGA, Abia State.
DSP John said the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
She reiterated the commitment of the State Police Command to combating human trafficking and other forms of organised crime while assuring members of the public that ongoing efforts are being made to apprehend other fleeing members of the trafficking syndicate.
“Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and provide timely information to the Police to aid in protecting vulnerable persons and strengthening community safety,” she assured.
