By The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has uncovered a syndicate involved in the illegal trade of children and handed over nine female suspects to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, made this known while hosting the new Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mr. Ubong Ekwere, during a courtesy visit to his office in Uyo, the state capital.
CP Azare said the arrests were made during coordinated raids at different locations across the state, following credible intelligence.
“The suspects were caught in the act of buying and selling children. It’s a shameful and heartless business that we are determined to eliminate,” he stated.
He pledged continued collaboration with NAPTIP and other security agencies, promising intensified surveillance to end child trafficking in the state.
In response, Mr. Ekwere welcomed the partnership, stressing the importance of joint operations and information sharing.
“The Commissioner has already directed that all human trafficking cases be handed over to NAPTIP going forward. This level of cooperation will boost our capacity to fight this crime,” he said.
Speaking to journalists after receiving the suspects, Ekwere described the arrests as a major breakthrough and urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to play a more active role in curbing child trafficking across its 31 local government areas.
“These are crimes against humanity, and sadly, many of the victims are vulnerable Akwa Ibom children,” he added.
Ekwere assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted, with charges to follow as soon as evidence is compiled.
