Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Jevaun Rhashan
In a rapid and successful response to a reported abduction, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued a two-month-old baby boy who was kidnapped from his family residence in Akwa Ibom State on the morning of February 26, 2026, and arrested a 23-year-old woman believed to be responsible for the abduction. The incident, resolved within hours of being reported, underscores ongoing efforts by security forces to protect vulnerable citizens and swiftly bring perpetrators to justice.
According to a statement issued by DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, the alarm was raised at about 8:28 a.m. when Peace F., accompanied by her mother, reported to police that her baby boy — aged two months and three weeks — had been taken. Preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 5:59 a.m. the child had been left in the care of his grandmother while the mother stepped aside briefly. When the mother returned about thirty minutes later, she discovered that the baby was missing.
Police inquiries quickly established that a young woman identified as Goodnews F., of Ikot Etetuk Village, had allegedly entered the room where the infant had been placed and removed him. Officers discovered that the suspect had torn the netting of the room’s window before abducting the baby, suggesting the act was deliberate rather than accidental. Assisted by community patrols and intelligence, operatives conducted a swift search of surrounding areas and located the suspect in possession of the infant.
The baby was recovered alive and unharmed at the time of the arrest. He was reunited with his family after being handed over to police custody, where preliminary health checks were arranged to assess his condition following the traumatic ordeal. The swift action by the police prevented what could have become a prolonged abduction case and provided crucial reassurance to the distressed family.
The suspect, aged 23, has been detained and is expected to face prosecution on charges related to kidnapping. Police are conducting further investigations to establish the motive behind the abduction and whether the suspect may have had any accomplices or other intentions, including potential involvement in child trafficking or related criminal activity, a pattern authorities have previously encountered across the region.
The Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reiterated the command’s commitment to child protection and vowed to pursue “those who commit such crimes” to the full extent of the law. He also warned parents, guardians and caregivers to heighten vigilance in safeguarding children and implementing appropriate security measures at home.
Child abduction remains a major concern across parts of Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom, human trafficking, and exploitation have persisted alongside banditry and other forms of violence. Authorities frequently credit community cooperation and actionable intelligence for enabling quick apprehension of suspects and rescue of victims in cases such as this one.
This latest successful operation follows a series of other proactive policing actions in Akwa Ibom, including recent arrests of armed suspects and recovery of illegal weapons in Oruk Anam Local Government Area, as part of wider efforts to combat violent crime throughout the state.
Residents have welcomed the outcome of the rescue, noting that the swift recovery brings relief and reinforces confidence in the ability of security agencies to respond effectively to threats against children. Civil society advocates have also stressed the importance of community reporting and cooperation with police, particularly in cases involving the safety of minors.
Police officials have reassured the public that the investigation remains ongoing and that formal charges will be filed as evidence is finalised. The rescued baby remains under protective care, and authorities are expected to disclose further details as the case moves through legal processes.
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