Abuja, June 2, 2025 – The Nigeria Police Force has announced major breakthroughs in ongoing efforts to combat trafficking and illegal arms smuggling, following successful operations in Kogi and Abia States that led to the rescue of 12 trafficked children and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles alongside hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, operatives in Kogi State intercepted a suspicious green Sharon vehicle that refused to stop at a security checkpoint. A high-speed chase ensued, and the driver later abandoned the vehicle and fled into the nearby bush. Upon conducting a thorough search of the vehicle, officers discovered a significant arms cache comprising 5 AK-47 rifles, 8 magazines, 283 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, 62 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and 2 rounds of 7.62x59mm ammunition.
Preliminary intelligence suggests a possible connection to a recent armed robbery attack on a fuel station in Kabba. The suspect remains at large as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, in Abia State, two individuals were arrested for operating an illegal and unregistered motherless babies’ home from their private residence in Aba. The suspects—identified as 49-year-old Blessing Emebo and 42-year-old Sunday Emebo—were apprehended following a tip-off. Police discovered 12 children, ranging from six months to 14 years old, within the premises.
Investigations revealed that the children had been taken from various villages in the Arochukwu area. The minors have since been handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for care and rehabilitation, while the suspects remain in custody and are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, praised the dedication and courage of the officers involved in the operations, noting that the successes are a testament to the Force’s renewed focus on curbing criminality and safeguarding vulnerable populations.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant, avoid entrusting children to strangers, and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
“These operations reflect the Nigeria Police Force’s relentless resolve to rid our communities of illegal arms and protect children from exploitation. Public cooperation remains critical in this fight,” the IGP stated.