The Abia State Police Command has rescued nine victims of kidnapping and human trafficking while arresting more than 222 suspects in various operations across the state.
The arrests and rescues were recorded between August 10 and September 11, 2026, following the assumption of office of the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi.
According to the police, the suspects, comprising over 212 males and 10 females, were linked to more than 152 reported cases. Some have been charged to court, while investigations into others are ongoing.
The command also recovered 17 firearms and 101 rounds of ammunition and cartridges, while dismantling a suspected car-theft syndicate and destroying drug dens.
Among the rescued victims was a 44-year-old medical doctor, Dr Ikenna Ilo, who was allegedly abducted on August 19. Police said he was rescued early the following day after operatives traced the vehicle conveying him towards Imo State and collaborated with the Imo State Police Command.
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A female university student allegedly abducted from an off-campus lodge in Uturu was also rescued unharmed after police stormed the location where she was being held.
Police further reported the rescue of a one-year-four-month-old girl from suspected traffickers at a hotel in Obingwa on September 7. Four suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, while the child was handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs.
The command said its operations also targeted cultism, drug abuse, armed robbery, murder, sexual and domestic abuse, railway vandalism and theft of electricity infrastructure.
The commissioner said the command would continue to rely on intelligence gathering, crime mapping, community engagement and intelligence-led operations to strengthen security across Abia State.
He also urged residents to report suspicious activities promptly and cooperate with security agencies to help keep their communities safe.
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