The Nigeria Police Force has announced that it had rescued 12 trafficked children and recovered a cache of illegal firearms and ammunition in separate operations in Abia and Kogi States.
Police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Monday said officers in Kogi State intercepted a green Sharon vehicle that sped through a security checkpoint.
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Adejobi noted that the fleeing driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped into nearby bushes, prompting officers to conduct a search of the scene.
According to him, the search led to the discovery of five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, 283 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, 62 rounds of 5.56mm, and two rounds of 7.62x59mm ammunition.
“Preliminary intelligence links the vehicle to a recent armed robbery attack on a fuel station in Kabba. The suspect remains at large, and efforts to track him down are ongoing.”
In a separate operation in Abia State, he said police operatives arrested two suspects, 49-year-old Blessing Emebo and 42-year-old Sunday Emebo, for allegedly running an unregistered and illegal orphanage from their residence on Ikot Ekpene Road in Aba.
Adejobi said rhe illegal facility was discovered following credible intelligence.
“Police rescued twelve children aged between six months and 14 years, reportedly brought in from various villages in the Arochukwu area.
“The children have been handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for care and rehabilitation. The suspects are currently in custody and will be prosecuted upon conclusion of the investigation”, he added.
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Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers involved in the operations, describing the breakthroughs as proof of the Force’s determination to fight crime and protect the most vulnerable members of society.
He urged the public to remain security conscious, avoid handing children over to strangers, and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
