Two children foiled an attempted abduction of a five-year-old boy in Darwin

Two quick thinking children have been praised for their 'incredible actions' after seeing the alleged abduction of a five-year-old boy and calling police.

Police allege the boy was taken by his stepfather, 37, and a woman, 56, from Witherden Street in Nakara, in Darwin's northern suburbs, on Friday afternoon.

The boy's mother tried to stop the alleged abduction while he was being put into a vehicle, but she fell onto the road. 

The mum was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital and was later reported to be in a stable condition and expected to make a full recovery. 

Northern Territory Police said a young boy and girl who saw the incident called 000, passing on details of the alleged abductors' vehicle, including its registration.

This information helped officers from the Sex Crimes Division, Strike Force Trident, Adelaide River, Batchelor and general duties to respond quickly to the incident.

After a manhunt lasting two-and-a-half-hours, the vehicle was stopped on Cox Peninsula Road, south of Darwin. 

The five-year-old boy was found safe and was brought back to his family. 

The man and woman, who is known to the boy, were arrested at the scene and taken into custody.

NT Police said Detectives from the Child Abuse Task Force had charged them with abduct child under 16 and recklessly endanger serious harm on Sunday.

They were both remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on Monday. 

Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Russell said the quick thinking of the young boy and girl was commendable.

'Not only did they contact police as the (alleged) abduction was unfolding, they also passed on the vehicle's details and registration,' he said.

'This information was vital in allowing our officers to begin tracking the vehicle quickly, resulting in a positive outcome.'