The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the successful rescue of 12 trafficked children in Abia State and the arrest of two suspects, Blessing Emebo and Sunday Emebo.
The NPF, through the Kogi State Police Command also intercepted a vehicle and recovered arms and ammunition after the driver fled upon realising he was being chased.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Monday.
ACP Olumuyiwa stated that these developments underscore the Force’s renewed dedication to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the country.
“Recently, Officers of the Kogi State Police Command intercepted a green-colored Sharon vehicle that ran through a security checkpoint at high speed. The team engaged the bus in a hot pursuit, and the driver, upon realising he was being trailed, abandoned the bus and fled into a nearby bush.
“A swift cordon and search was conducted on the spot, leading to the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, which included 5 AK-47 rifles, 8 AK-47 magazines, 283 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, 62 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and 2 rounds of 7.62x59mm ammunition.
“Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect are in progress, while initial intelligence suggests a possible connection to a recent armed robbery at a fuel station in Kabba, which is currently under investigation,” the statement reads in part.
Adejobi revealed that operatives of the Abia State Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Blessing, 49, and Sunday, 42, for operating an unregistered and illegal motherless babies’ home within their residential apartment located at Ikot Ekpene Road, Aba.
“Upon intervention, the operatives discovered twelve (12) children, ranging in age from six months to fourteen years, housed in the premises. Preliminary investigations revealed that the children originated from various villages in the Arochukwu area,” the spokesperson said.
He mentioned that the rescued minors have been safely handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for proper care, adding that the suspects are currently under interrogation and will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigations.
Reacting to the effective operations, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the efforts of the gallant operatives and the cooperation of members of the public.
IGP Egbetokun emphasised that these successes reaffirm the commitment of the Force to rid communities of crime, illegal arms, and exploitative practices against vulnerable populations.
He further advised members of the public to remain vigilant, avoid entrusting children to unfamiliar persons, and promptly report any suspicious activity or individuals to the nearest police station.
