In a coordinated series of operations across Abia and Kogi States, the Nigeria Police Force has rescued twelve trafficked children, arrested two suspected child traffickers, and recovered a cache of illegal firearms and ammunition. These efforts, according to a press release from Force Headquarters, underscore the renewed commitment of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun to public safety and crime reduction nationwide.
In Kogi State, police operatives intercepted a green Sharon vehicle that evaded a security checkpoint at high speed. After a hot pursuit, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush. A search of the abandoned vehicle led to the discovery of five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, 283 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, 62 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and two rounds of 7.62x59mm ammunition. Preliminary intelligence links the arms to a recent armed robbery at a fuel station in Kabba, now under investigation. Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect are ongoing.
In a separate operation in Aba, Abia State, police arrested two suspects—49-year-old Blessing Emebo and 42-year-old Sunday Emebo—for allegedly running an illegal and unregistered motherless babies’ home out of their residence on Ikot Ekpene Road. Acting on credible intelligence, officers discovered twelve children, aged between six months and fourteen years, in the premises. Investigations revealed that the children were taken from various villages in the Arochukwu area. The minors have been safely handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs, while the suspects remain in custody and will face prosecution upon conclusion of the investigation.
Commending the operations, IGP Egbetokun praised the professionalism of the officers involved and emphasized the importance of public vigilance. He urged citizens to avoid entrusting children to unknown individuals and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
The Force reiterated its determination to root out crime, illegal arms, and exploitative practices targeting vulnerable populations.