Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State have dismantled a suspected human trafficking syndicate, rescuing seven victims and arresting four suspects in a coordinated operation across parts of the state.
The breakthrough followed a carefully planned stop-and-search operation along the busy Ikot Ekpene–Aba Road on March 13, 2026, after intelligence reports indicated that a vehicle transporting young persons believed to be victims of human trafficking was heading through the route.
Police sources said operatives swiftly intercepted the vehicle around 8:00 a.m., rescuing four victims and arresting the driver suspected to be part of the trafficking network.
Further interrogation of the suspect led investigators to expand the operation to Itam and Ibaka, where three additional victims were rescued and three more suspects apprehended.
The police said preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate specialized in recruiting and transporting young persons across borders for exploitation.
Security sources also disclosed that one of the suspected ringleaders had earlier escaped through waterways from Ibaka to neighboring countries including Cameroon and Gabon with some victims before the crackdown.
The victims rescued include Asana Wohabu (18) and Fusina Seru (20) from Cotonou, Mulica Ismali (20), Saidat Ismali (19) and Safura Ismali (20) from Oyo State, Latif Ali (19) also from Cotonou, and Malike Michel, a national of Lome.
The suspects currently in police custody are Udeme Jacob (20) from Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area, Effiong Ekop from Ibiono Ibom, John Okon from Mbo LGA, and Ndukwe Ogbonnaya from Bende.
Police authorities said investigations are still ongoing, adding that the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of the probe.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, reaffirmed the commitment of the police to tackling human trafficking and other forms of organised crime.
The command also assured that efforts were underway to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies in order to protect vulnerable persons and strengthen community safety.
About The Author
