Police Dismantle Human Trafficking Syndicate in Akwa Ibom, Rescue Seven Victims
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully dismantled a human trafficking syndicate operating within the state, resulting in the rescue of seven victims and the arrest of four suspects involved in the criminal network. This operation marks a significant victory in the fight against organized crime in the region.
Coordinated Police Operation Based on Intelligence
According to a statement released by the command's spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, on March 14, 2026, the operation was initiated following credible intelligence reports. On March 13, 2026, at approximately 0800 hours, police operatives received information that a vehicle transporting young persons suspected to be victims of human trafficking was moving along the Ikot Ekpene–Aba Road.
Acting swiftly on this intelligence, police operatives mobilized a patrol team and conducted a coordinated stop-and-search operation along the specified route. During this operation, the suspected vehicle was intercepted, leading to the immediate rescue of four victims. The suspect who was conveying them was arrested and taken into custody for further interrogation.
Expansion of Investigation and Additional Rescues
Further investigation and interrogation of the arrested suspect revealed additional locations where the syndicate was operating. Police officers expanded their operation to Itam and Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area. At these locations, three more victims were rescued, and three additional suspects were apprehended.
This brought the total number of rescued victims to seven and the total number of arrested suspects to four. The operation demonstrated the police's commitment to thoroughly investigating and dismantling criminal networks from their roots.
Details of Victims and Suspects
The victims rescued in this operation include individuals from various regions, highlighting the cross-border nature of the syndicate's activities. The rescued victims are:
- Asana Wohabu (Female), 18 years old, from Cotonou, Benin Republic
- Fusina Seru (Female), 20 years old, from Cotonou, Benin Republic
- Mulica Ismali (Female), 20 years old, from Oyo State, Nigeria
- Saidat Ismali (Female), 19 years old, from Oyo State, Nigeria
- Safura Ismali (Female), 20 years old, from Oyo State, Nigeria
- Latif Ali (Male), 19 years old, from Cotonou, Benin Republic
- Malike Michel (Male), from Lome, Togo
The suspects currently in police custody are:
- Udeme Jacob (Female), 20 years old, from Mbo Local Government Area
- Effiong Ekop (Male), from Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area
- John Okon (Male), from Mbo Local Government Area
- Ndukwe Ogbonnaya (Female), from Bende Local Government Area, Abia State
Syndicate's Criminal Activities and Ongoing Investigation
Preliminary investigations by the police indicate that the syndicate specialized 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, underscoring the international reach of the criminal network.
The investigation is still ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon its conclusion. The police are actively working to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate to ensure that all those involved face justice.
Police Commitment and Public Appeal
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reiterated its unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking and other forms of organized crime. In the statement, the command assured members of the public that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other members of the syndicate who are still at large.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and provide timely information to the police to aid in protecting vulnerable persons and strengthening community safety. The police emphasized the importance of community cooperation in preventing such crimes and ensuring the security of all citizens.
This successful operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the dedication of law enforcement agencies in Akwa Ibom State to eradicating human trafficking and safeguarding the rights and dignity of individuals.
