Press Release
Four suspects who are in Akwa Ibom Police Command custody would be arraigned in court for their involvement in an alleged human trafficking.
This was after the operatives of the command had rescued seven victims during stop-and-search operation along Ikot Ekpene–Aba Road in the state.
The suspects 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.
Those rescued are 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.
‘‘Acting on credible intelligence on 13th March, 2026 at about 0800 hours, police operatives swiftly mobilized a patrol team to conduct a coordinated stop-and-search operation along Ikot Ekpene – Aba Road following reports that a vehicle conveying 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,’’ the Command’s press release signed by DSP Timfon John, the state Police Public Relations for the Commissioner of Police on Saturday, March 14, stated.
According to the release, ‘‘further investigation and interrogation of the suspect led to the expansion of the operation to Itam and Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area, 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.
‘‘Preliminary investigation revealed that the trafficking syndicate specializes in recruiting and transporting young persons across borders for exploitation. Intelligence gathered further disclosed that one of the ring leaders had earlier escaped through the waterways from Ibaka in Mbo to Cameroon and Gabon with some victims.
”Investigation still ongoing.
”The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation,” it stated.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reiterates its commitment to combating human trafficking and other forms of organized crime, and assures members of the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and provide timely information to the Police to aid in protecting vulnerable persons and strengthening community safety.
