Police rescue 12 children, arrest suspects, seize illegal arms

The Nigeria Police Force has made major strides in its ongoing efforts to combat crime, following recent operations in Abia and Kogi States that led to the rescue of trafficked children, arrests of suspects, and the seizure of illegal firearms.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Monday, said these developments reflect the Force’s renewed commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the nation.

In Kogi State, police operatives intercepted a green Sharon vehicle that dangerously sped through a checkpoint. Officers gave chase, prompting the driver to abandon the vehicle and flee into a nearby bush. A search of the abandoned vehicle uncovered a significant stockpile of illegal arms, including five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, 283 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, 62 rounds of 5.56mm, and two rounds of 7.62x59mm ammunition.

Investigations are ongoing, with initial findings linking the arms to a recent armed robbery at a fuel station in Kabba. Authorities are actively pursuing the suspect who fled the scene.

In another breakthrough, officers from the Abia State Police Command arrested two individuals — Blessing Emebo, 49, and Sunday Emebo, 42 — for allegedly operating an illegal and unregistered orphanage out of their residence along Ikot Ekpene Road in Aba.

Acting on credible intelligence, police raided the premises and rescued twelve children, aged between six months and fourteen years. Preliminary inquiries revealed the children were trafficked from various communities in the Arochukwu area. The rescued minors have been placed in the care of the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs, while the suspects remain in custody pending further investigation and prosecution.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, lauded the swift actions of the police officers involved and praised the public for their cooperation. He reaffirmed the Force’s resolve to root out criminal elements, illegal arms, and exploitative practices targeting vulnerable populations.

The Police urge members of the public to stay vigilant, avoid handing children over to unknown individuals, and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.