Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have rescued a three-year-old girl who was allegedly abducted in Abak Local Government Area and arrested a suspect in connection with the incident.
The abduction occurred on Wednesday, January 22, 2026, at about 2:40 p.m., when a resident, Uwem, reported that an unknown man forcefully seized a young girl and dragged her into a nearby bush.
Police sources said officers were immediately mobilised to the scene following the distress report. In a swift and coordinated operation, police personnel, with the support of vigilant youths from the community, carried out a search of the surrounding bushes and adjoining areas.
The operation led to the arrest of Saturday Ofonmbuk, a 29-year-old man from Afaha Ikot Inyang Village in Ukanafun Local Government Area, and the successful rescue of the abducted child.
In a statement issued on Thursday, February 5, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed that the girl was found unharmed and safely reunited with her family. The statement was released on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command.
The police described the outcome as a relief to the affected community, noting that the success of the operation underscored the value of prompt reporting and effective collaboration between residents and security agencies.
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Investigations are ongoing to establish the suspect’s motive, determine whether he acted alone, and ascertain any possible links to similar incidents within or outside the state.
The command appealed to members of the public with relevant information, including other potential victims, to report to the nearest police station or the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Uyo, assuring that all reports would be treated confidentially.
The police also warned individuals involved in child abduction and related crimes that Akwa Ibom State would not tolerate criminal activities, reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on offences against children.
Commending the vigilance and courage of community members who assisted in the rescue, the command urged residents to remain alert and continue reporting suspicious movements, stressing that public safety is a shared responsibility.
