The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has scored a major victory against human traffickers, rescuing seven young people and arresting four suspects in a well-coordinated operation that has sent shockwaves through criminal networks operating in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, announced the breakthrough on March 14, 2026, revealing details of an operation that exposed the dark underworld of human trafficking in the South-South region.
How the Operation Unfolded
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives swung into action on March 13, 2026, around 8:00 am. They had received information that a vehicle carrying suspected trafficking victims was travelling along the Ikot Ekpene–Aba Road—a route notorious for illicit activities.
A special patrol team quickly mounted a stop-and-search checkpoint along the highway. When the suspected vehicle was flagged down and searched, officers rescued four victims on the spot and immediately arrested the person transporting them.
But that was just the beginning.
The Investigation Deepens
During interrogation, the arrested suspect provided information that led police to expand their operation to Itam and Ibaka communities in Mbo Local Government Area. At these locations, three more victims were rescued and an additional three suspects were apprehended.
In total, seven young people—aged between 18 and 20 years—were saved from what police described as a life of exploitation. The victims include five females and two males from Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Togo.
The Victims
The rescued individuals are:
– Asana Wohabu (Female, 18) from Cotonou, Benin Republic
– Fusina Seru (Female, 20) from Cotonou, Benin Republic
– Mulica Ismali (Female, 20) from Oyo State
– Saidat Ismali (Female, 19) from Oyo State
– Safura Ismali (Female, 20) from Oyo State
– Latif Ali (Male, 19) from Cotonou, Benin Republic
– Malike Michel (Male) from Lome, Togo
The Suspects in Custody
Four persons are currently being held by the police:
– Udeme Jacob (Female, 20) from Mbo LGA
– Effiong Ekop (Male) from Ibiono Ibom LGA
– John Okon (Male) from Mbo LGA
– Ndukwe Ogbonnaya (Female) from Bende LGA, Abia State
According to preliminary investigations, the syndicate specialized in recruiting vulnerable young people and transporting them across international borders for exploitation—a criminal enterprise that has destroyed countless lives across West Africa.
One Suspect Still on the Run
Intelligence gathered during the investigation revealed that one of the ringleaders had already escaped through the waterways from Ibaka to Cameroon and Gabon, taking some victims along. The police have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend all fleeing members of the syndicate.
A Growing Menace
Human trafficking remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges. Akwa Ibom State, with its coastal location and proximity to international borders, has become a transit point for traffickers moving victims across West and Central Africa.
These criminal networks prey on vulnerable young people—often from poor families—with false promises of better opportunities abroad. Many victims end up in forced labour, sexual exploitation, or other forms of modern-day slavery.
Police Commitment and Public Appeal
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting human trafficking and other organized crimes. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
DSP Timfon John urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station. “Community cooperation is essential in protecting our vulnerable persons and strengthening overall security,” she stated.
The police have provided emergency contact lines for anyone with information about human trafficking activities in the state.
What This Means
This successful operation demonstrates that with good intelligence, swift action, and inter-agency cooperation, Nigeria’s security forces can dismantle criminal networks and rescue victims before they disappear across borders.
However, it also highlights the sophisticated nature of human trafficking syndicates operating in Nigeria and the need for sustained vigilance from both security agencies and the general public.
For families in Akwa Ibom and beyond, this serves as a reminder to be cautious about offers that seem too good to be true, especially those promising overseas opportunities without proper documentation or through unofficial channels.
If you have information about human trafficking or suspect someone is being trafficked, contact the Akwa Ibom State Police Command immediately. Your information could save a life.
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