NIGERIA: Police Rescue 12 Trafficked Children, Recover Arms In Major Operations In Kogi, Abia States

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Nigeria Police Force has announced significant breakthroughs in its operations across Kogi and Abia States, with the rescue of trafficked children and the seizure of illegal arms and ammunition.

In Kogi State, police officers intercepted a green Sharon vehicle that sped through a security checkpoint. The vehicle was pursued, and the driver abandoned it and fled into nearby bushes.

A swift search of the vehicle led to the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and a total of 347 rounds of ammunition of various calibers.

The ammunition recovered includes 283 rounds of 7.62x39mm, 62 rounds of 5.56mm, and two rounds of 7.62x59mm. The police believe the suspect may be linked to a recent armed robbery at a fuel station in Kabba, which is under investigation.

Meanwhile, in Abia State, police operatives acting on intelligence arrested two suspects, Blessing Emebo, 49, and Sunday Emebo, 42, for operating an illegal motherless babies’ home in their apartment along Ikot Ekpene Road, Aba.

Twelve children, aged between six months and fourteen years, were found in the premises. Investigations revealed that the children were taken from different villages in the Arochukwu area. They have since been handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for proper care.

The suspects are currently being interrogated and will be charged to court once investigations are completed.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the officers involved in the operations. He praised the public for their cooperation and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to public safety and the fight against crime.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, avoid entrusting children to strangers, and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.