Uyo — April 25, 2025
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has handed over nine suspected child traffickers to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), following a coordinated crackdown on a child trafficking syndicate operating across parts of the country.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, made this known while receiving the new Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mr. Ubong Ekwere, during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Uyo.
Azare said the nine female suspects were arrested during intelligence-led operations at various locations across the state, adding that the Police Command remains committed to dismantling trafficking networks and rescuing vulnerable children.
He decried the disturbing trend of child trafficking and assured that the Command would strengthen its surveillance and operational efforts in collaboration with relevant agencies, including NAPTIP.
“This act of trading children for money is unacceptable. We will not relent in our duty to protect the most vulnerable. Our doors are open for full cooperation with NAPTIP to put an end to this evil,” CP Azare stated.
In his remarks, Zonal Commander Ekwere commended the Akwa Ibom Police Command for its support in combating human trafficking. He called for deeper collaboration with stakeholders across the state’s 31 local government areas.
Speaking to journalists after taking custody of the suspects, Ekwere said the synergy between the Police and NAPTIP was already yielding results. He revealed that CP Azare had ordered that all future human trafficking cases be transferred directly to NAPTIP for in-depth investigation.
“The commissioner said he had long sought such a partnership and has pledged support in terms of intelligence sharing, joint operations, and arrests. This marks a significant step forward,” he said.
Ekwere described the activities of the syndicate as a crime against the state and emphasized the need for collective action in addressing the menace.
He urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to actively support NAPTIP’s efforts, adding that many of the victims are vulnerable children from the state.
“We are launching thorough investigations and will ensure the suspects are prosecuted accordingly. This is a serious crime, and justice must be served,” he said.
