Police rescue 12 trafficked children, recover cache of arms in major crackdown on crime

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against crime, with the rescue of twelve trafficked children and the recovery of a significant cache of illegal arms in two separate operations carried out in Abia and Kogi States.

In a statement released on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police confirmed the arrest of two suspects allegedly operating an illegal orphanage in Aba, Abia State, as well as the interception of a vehicle loaded with military-grade weapons in Kogi State.

According to the police, operatives in Kogi State intercepted a green-colored Sharon vehicle after it sped through a security checkpoint. “The team engaged the bus in a hot pursuit,” the statement said. “The driver, upon realising he was being trailed, abandoned the bus and fled into a nearby bush.”

A swift search of the vehicle led to the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and over 340 rounds of various ammunition types. The statement added, “Initial intelligence suggests a possible connection to a recent armed robbery at a fuel station in Kabba, which is currently under investigation.”

Meanwhile, in Aba, the Abia State Police Command raided a residential apartment along Ikot Ekpene Road where two individuals, identified as Blessing Emebo (49) and Sunday Emebo (42), were allegedly operating an unregistered motherless babies’ home.

Police said they found twelve children ranging from six months to fourteen years of age. “Preliminary investigations revealed that the children originated from various villages in the Arochukwu area,” the statement noted.

The minors have since been handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for proper care and protection. “The suspects are currently under interrogation and would be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigations,” the police confirmed.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the officers involved for their diligence and urged continued public vigilance. “These successes reaffirm the commitment of the Force to rid communities of crime, illegal arms, and exploitative practices against vulnerable populations,” Egbetokun said.

He also called on citizens to “remain vigilant, avoid entrusting children to unfamiliar persons, and promptly report any suspicious activity or individuals to the nearest police station.”

The operations signal a renewed drive by the Nigeria Police Force to tackle criminal networks and ensure public safety nationwide.