A’Ibom Police Apprehend Kidnap Syndicates In Eket, Esit Eket, Ibeno LGAs
By Dennis Udoma, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its fight against violent crimes, with the arrest of two suspects linked to an attempted abduction in Eket.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command, in a coordinated midnight operation on August 22, 2025, apprehended the suspects at about 1:00AM.
According to the Ommand’s Spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, “the suspects were identified as Victor Bassey Tom, alias “Igbo Man” and “Mami”, from Uqua Isi Edoho, Esit Eket Local Government Area, and Nelson Samuel of Okorotip, Ibeno Local Government Area.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that Victor Tom, described as the gang’s mastermind, had earlier been named by an already arrested suspect. He confessed to his role in the attempted abduction and admitted involvement in the kidnapping of two prominent businessmen in Eket, as well as other similar crimes in the area.
“His accomplice, Nelson Samuel, reportedly served as the gang’s boat operator, ferrying victims into the creeks where they were held hostage”.
Both men are said to be currently in police custody as investigations continue, while efforts are underway to track other members of the syndicate mentioned during interrogation.
The statement further reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while assuring the residents that criminal networks in Akwa Ibom will be relentlessly dismantled.