The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Akwa Ibom State Command said that it has arrested eight suspects for offences ranging from the abduction of minor, child labour and illegal mining in its different operations in the state.
Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, the State Commandant of NSCDC in Akwa Ibom, made this known while briefing newsmen at the command’s headquarters in Uyo on Thursday.
He said that with credible intelligence, the command received a report of the abduction of a 14-year-old Wisdom Ifiok, who had been declared missing since January. 2023.
Eluwade said the command on January 4, raided the residence in Ndon Ebom in Uruan Local Government Area of the state where the boy was kept and arrested seven suspects in connection with his abduction.
“We received credible intelligence about a 14-year-old boy, Wisdom Aniekpeno Ifiok, who had been declared missing since January 2023.
“On Monday, Jan. 4, 2024, my personnel raided the apartment where he was seen in Ndon Ebom village in Uruan LGA and arrested 7 suspects.
“The minor was taken for one year without the consent of his parents and was used to carry out fishing activities in riverine areas up to the high sea into Cameroon.
“The key suspect, who was the master to the minor, Mr Otobong Anietie Udoekong is currently undergoing investigation for criminal conspiracy, abduction of a minor and subjecting the victim to child labour.
“Other suspects are being profiled to ascertain their level of involvement,” Eluwade said.
He explained that the command on another operation on January 5, arrested one Peter Okon, who was carrying out mining activities along Ekpri Nsukara in Uyo without a mining license.
Eluwade said that the command impounded two tipper trucks and a Peugeot car during the raid.
He, however, warned that mining without a license is illegal, stressing those illegal miners do not consider the environment as their activity endangers lives and robs the Government of revenue.
Eluwade reiterated that the Corps will not rest on its oars in combating illegal mining in Akwa Ibom.
He called on all Akwa Ibom people and residents to shun all forms of crimes as the command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute all criminals to keep the state safe.
The commandant stated that the suspects involved in the abduction and child labour would be handed over to the relevant agency on the conclusion of profiling and investigation, while the illegal miner would be charged in court.
