By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Police in Akwa Ibom State say they have dismantled a suspected human trafficking network, rescued seven victims and arrested four suspects during coordinated operations across the state.The spokesperson for the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Timfon John, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Uyo. She said the operation followed credible intelligence received by the command.
According to the police, operatives launched a stop-and-search operation along the Ikot Ekpene–Aba Road on March 13 at about 8:00 a.m. after reports that a vehicle transporting young persons believed to be victims of trafficking was travelling along the route. Officers intercepted the vehicle, rescued the victims and arrested the driver, who was taken into custody for questioning.
Further investigations led police to additional locations in Itam and Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area, where three more victims were rescued and three additional suspects were arrested. Police identified the rescued victims as Asana Wohabu and Latif Alli from Benin Republic, Safura Ismali from Nigeria, and Malike Michel from Togo, among others.
The suspects in custody were identified as Udeme Jacob, Effiong Ekop, John Okon, and Ndukwe Ogbonnaya. The police command said investigations are ongoing and efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the suspected trafficking network who remain at large. Authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to tackling human trafficking and other forms of organised crime in the state.
