Police Rescue Seven Trafficked Victims, Arrest Four Suspects In Akwa Ibom
Police Rescue Seven Trafficking Victims, Arrest Four Suspects in Akwa Ibom
Updated March 16, 2026
The Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State has rescued seven victims of human trafficking and arrested four suspects linked to the criminal network.
Spokesperson for the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Timfon John, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Uyo.
According to her, police operatives launched a coordinated stop-and-search operation along the Ikot Ekpene–Aba Road after receiving intelligence about a vehicle transporting young persons suspected to be victims of 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.
Operation Expanded
Further investigation led the police to expand the operation to Itam and Ibaka in Oron Local Government Area, where three more victims were rescued and additional suspects were arrested.
The development brought the total number of rescued victims to seven, while four suspects are now in police custody.
Police said preliminary findings show that the trafficking syndicate specialises in recruiting and transporting young people across borders for exploitation.
Authorities also revealed that one of the alleged ring leaders fled through the waterways from Ibaka to Cameroon and Gabon with other victims before the arrests were made.
Victims and Suspects
The rescued victims include young people from Benin and Nigeria, particularly from Oyo State.
Those arrested by the police include Udeme Jacob, Effiong Ekop, John Okon, and Ndukwe Ogbonnaya.
Police confirmed that the suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are completed.
Police Call for Public Vigilance
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling human trafficking and other organised crimes.
Authorities also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information that could help security agencies protect vulnerable individuals and strengthen community safety.