Swift police operation along Ikot Ekpene–Aba Road exposes cross-border trafficking network.
The Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State has rescued seven victims and arrested four suspects linked to a human trafficking syndicate operating in the state.
Police spokesperson Timfon John said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence, prompting officers to launch a stop-and-search operation along Ikot Ekpene–Aba Road early Friday morning.
During the operation, officers intercepted a suspicious vehicle and rescued four victims while arresting the driver. Further interrogation of the suspect led police to expand the operation to Itam and Ibaka in Oron Local Government Area, where three more victims were rescued and additional suspects apprehended.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate recruited and transported young people across borders for exploitation. Police also discovered that one of the ringleaders escaped through waterways from Ibaka to Cameroon and Gabon with some victims.
The police said investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged in court after the probe, while efforts continue to track down other fleeing members of the network.
Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and share useful information, stressing that community cooperation is vital in protecting vulnerable persons and combating human trafficking.
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