The Akwa Ibom Police Command has rescued a three-year-old abducted child in Abak Local Government Area.
The rescue operation conducted on Wednesday, January 22, 2026, at about 2:40 p.m., following a distress call, also led to the arrest of a suspect, a 29-year-old man, Saturday Ofonmbuk.
DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), stated this in a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, Mnipr, fsi, in Uyo on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
DSP John said the distress call was received from one Uwem male, aged 32 years, who reported that a female pupil had been forcefully abducted by an unknown person and dragged into a nearby bush.
“Acting swiftly on the report, the Command immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.
“In a rapid, coordinated, and intelligence-driven operation, Police operatives, working in synergy with vigilant youths of the community, combed the surrounding bush and adjoining areas.
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“The operation resulted in the arrest of one Saturday Ofonmbuk, male, aged 29 years, of Afaha Ikot Inyang Village, Ukanafun Local Government Area, and the successful rescue of a female child, aged about three (3) years (name withheld),” she stated.
It was confirmed that the rescued child was found safe and unharmed and was immediately reunited with her family, which brought relief to the community and underscored the effectiveness of timely police intervention.
The PPRO added that a preliminary investigation was ongoing to establish the suspect’s motive, identify possible accomplices, and determine whether he is linked to similar incidents within or outside the state.
“In this regard, the Command calls on any other victims or persons with useful information to come forward for identification and investigation. Such persons are encouraged to report to the nearest police station or the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Uyo, without fear of intimidation.”
The Command therefore warned child abductors and other criminal elements that Akwa Ibom State is not a haven for crime, adding that “Anyone found involved in child abduction or related offences will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on crimes against children and remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to protect lives and property across the state.
“The Command further commends the courage, vigilance, and cooperation of community members, whose swift action and collaboration with the police were instrumental to the success of this operation.
She called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities, as security is a collective responsibility.
