By Admin
The Nigerian Police Force has successfully rescued 12 trafficked children and apprehended two suspected traffickers in coordinated operations across Abia and Kogi States.
Officers also recovered a significant arsenal of illegal weapons and ammunition.
According to a statement released on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a key breakthrough occurred when officers of the Kogi State Police Command intercepted a green Sharon vehicle that attempted to evade a security checkpoint by speeding through.
“The officers engaged the vehicle in a hot pursuit, forcing the driver to abandon the bus and flee into a nearby bush,” ACP Adejobi explained.
A swift cordon and search operation was immediately launched, resulting in the discovery of five AK-47 rifles, eight AK-47 magazines, and a total of 347 rounds of ammunition — comprising 283 rounds of 7.62x39mm, 62 rounds of 5.56mm, and 2 rounds of 7.62x59mm.
Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect remain ongoing. Preliminary investigations link the recovered arms to a recent armed robbery at a fuel station in Kabba, Kogi State, which is currently under active police investigation.
The statement read, “In a recent development, operatives of the Abia State Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, arrested two individuals one Blessing Emebo ‘f’, 49 years and Sunday Emebo ‘m’ 42 years, 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.
He said that the rescued minors have been safely handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for proper care.
Adejobi noted that the suspects are currently under interrogation and would be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigations.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commends the efforts of these gallant operatives and the cooperation of members of the public in these operations. These successes reaffirm the commitment of the Force to rid communities of crime, illegal arms, and exploitative practices against vulnerable populations.
“Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant, avoid entrusting children to unfamiliar persons, and promptly report any suspicious activity or individuals to the nearest police station,” Adejobi added.
