The Nigeria Police Force has achieved major breakthroughs in its anti-crime operations in Abia and Kogi States, successfully rescuing a dozen trafficked children and intercepting a cache of illegal firearms.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, twelve children were rescued, and two suspects were apprehended for human trafficking. In Kogi State, police officers intercepted a green Sharon vehicle that sped through a security checkpoint without stopping. The driver, realizing he was being pursued, abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby forest. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a significant stockpile of weapons, including five AK-47 rifles, eight AK-47 magazines, 283 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, 62 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and two rounds of 7.62x59mm ammunition.

“The Nigeria Police Force, through coordinated operations in Abia and Kogi, has made notable progress in tackling crime. These developments demonstrate the Force’s renewed commitment to safeguarding lives and property nationwide,” the statement read. Initial intelligence suggests the seized arms may be linked to a recent armed robbery incident at a fuel station in Kabba. Investigations are currently ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

In a separate operation in Abia State, two individuals — Blessing Emebo, 49, and Sunday Emebo, 42 — were arrested for operating an illegal and unregistered orphanage within their home on Ikot Ekpene Road in Aba.

Acting on credible intelligence, police officers discovered twelve children aged between six months and fourteen years in the apartment. Preliminary findings revealed the children were brought from various villages in the Arochukwu area.

The rescued minors have been handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for appropriate care and rehabilitation. The suspects are currently in custody and will be prosecuted following the conclusion of investigations.

Commending the officers involved, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, praised their dedication and also acknowledged the role of community members in supporting the operations.

He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to eradicating crime, illegal weapons, and the exploitation of vulnerable groups. The public was urged to remain alert, avoid leaving children in the care of strangers, and promptly report suspicious activity to the nearest police station.