The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 6, Mr Abubakar Marafa, says the police in the zone has put in place measures to effectively curb kidnapping, child theft and other criminal activities in the zone.
The AIG gave the assurance in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State capital on Friday while on a familiarisation tour of the Akwa-Ibom State police command.
In a chat with reporters at the Government House in Uyo, the AIG listed some of the measures to include motivation of officers and men and synergy with sister security agencies.
He also appealed to the public to volunteer information to enable the police do its job effectively.
Earlier at a courtesy call on Governor Udom Emmanuel, the police boss acknowledged the support and cooperation of the governor but appealed for more.
Governor Emmanuel advised against the frequent transfer of officers and men of the police force.
He assured the police of the state government’s continued support and cooperation.
The AIG also had an interactive session with the rank and file of the command where he reminded them of basic rules of the police and their relationship with the public.
Zone 6 comprises Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi and Rivers states.
Kidnapping and child trafficking have been on the increase in the region, with police rescuing several children in the last few months.
On september 13, the Delta State Police Command arrested one Abigail Nwakama, also known as Madam Cash and nine other suspected child traffickers in connection with child stealing and trafficking in the state.
Parading the suspects at the state headquarters in Asaba, the Police said that most of the suspects have confessed to the crime and this has led to the recovery of about 12 children.
Various cases of child theft have been reported severally in Okpanam, an outskirt of the Delta State capital, Asaba including the case of seven-year-old Moses Iloba who was reported missing a few days earlier.
Moses Iloba, son of Mr and Mrs Iloba who resides in Okpanam Delta State had been reported missing since September 6, 2016
According to his younger sister, he was lured by an unknown lady who pleaded with him to help run some errands.
“We have not found our child; everyday they say come back today, come back tomorrow. I don’t know what to say,” the mother of Moses expressed her anguish at the situation.
Moses was not among the recovered children but the Iloba family were hopeful that their son would be back and reunited with them soon.
Meanwhile, the Police have encouraged the parents of missing children to contact the Police to identify their children among the rescued.
