The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has foiled a child abduction attempt in Abak Local Government Area, rescuing a three-year-old girl and arresting a suspect following a swift response to a distress call.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 22, 2026, at about 2:40 p.m., when a 32-year-old man, identified as Uwem, reported that a female pupil had been forcefully abducted by an unknown person and dragged into a nearby bush.
Acting promptly on the report, operatives of the Command were mobilised to the scene. In a rapid, coordinated, and intelligence-driven operation, the police, working in synergy with vigilant youths of the community, combed the surrounding bush and adjoining areas.
The operation led to the arrest of one Saturday Ofonmbuk, a 29-year-old male from Afaha Ikot Inyang Village in Ukanafun Local Government Area, and the successful rescue of the abducted child. The rescued girl, whose identity was withheld, was found safe and unharmed and was immediately reunited with her family.
The police said the successful rescue brought relief to the community and underscored the importance of timely reporting and effective police-community collaboration.
Preliminary investigations are ongoing to establish the suspect’s motive, identify possible accomplices, and determine whether he is linked to similar incidents within or outside Akwa Ibom State. The Command has called on other victims or persons with useful information to come forward for identification and investigation, assuring that reports can be made without fear of intimidation at the nearest police station or the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Uyo.
The Police Command issued a stern warning to child abductors and other criminal elements, declaring that Akwa Ibom State is not a safe haven for crime. It reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on crimes against children and its commitment to arresting and prosecuting offenders to the fullest extent of the law.
The Command also commended the courage, vigilance, and cooperation of community members whose swift action contributed significantly to the success of the operation, while urging the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, noting that security is a collective responsibility.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command.
