Police nab suspected kidnappers in A’Ibom

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two additional suspects in connection with a recently failed kidnap attempt in Eket.

DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, said the arrest was as a consequence of painstaking intelligence-gathering.

She said, “Operatives of the command in a joint operation, apprehended two individuals on August 22, 2025 around 1:00 am.

“The suspects have been identified as Victor Bassey Tom, a resident of Uqua Isi Edoho, Esit Eket Local Government Area, and Nelson Samuel of Okorotip, Ibeno Local Government Area.

“Victor Bassey Tom who is popularly known  by his two aliases “Igbo Man” and “Mami” was identified by an earlier arrested suspect as the mastermind behind the failed kidnap attempt.

“He has confessed to being part of the gang that recently kidnapped two top businessmen in Eket. He has been linked to several other kidnapping incidents within the Eket area.

“On the other hand, Nelson Samuel is the boat operator who conveys the criminals and their victims to their creek.”

She added that both suspects have been taken into custody  for further investigation.

John stated that the police are continuing their efforts towards arresting other individuals mentioned during the interrogation.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle criminal networks in the state.