A’Ibom police arrest six kidnap suspects

 Ini Billie, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said it has arrested six kidnap suspects responsible for recent abductions in the state.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said in a press statement on Thursday in Uyo that the arrests were made following credible information about a planned kidnapping in the Eket local government area.

John, who revealed that the only female among the suspects was a non-Nigerian, mentioned that a Lexus vehicle and five mobile phones were recovered from them.

“Acting on the information, Operatives of the Command mobilised assets, resulting in the arrest of one Joseph Alafia, a male, in Oron Town on May 6, 2025. This initial arrest further led to raids on two locations in Afia Nsit Eket.

“These operations, jointly conducted by the Command’s Operatives resulted in the arrest of the following individuals: Oyibo Ayibakumo Brown, a male, of Bayelsa State, Wisdom Harry, a male, of Rivers State, Afanye Igonikon, a male, of Rivers State, Dare Olaniyi, a male, of Ogun State, residing at Enugu Waterside, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Tita Mercy Masume, a female, of Cameroon.

“During the operation, authorities recovered a Lexus RX 300 vehicle with identification plate number KMR 491 AE, grey and ash in colour, suspected to be used for kidnapping activities, along with five mobile phones.

“The arrested suspects are believed to be connected to recent kidnapping incidents within Eket and are currently undergoing intensive interrogation.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has commended the vigilance and swift action of the Police Officers for a successful Operation.

“The command reiterates its commitment to maintaining Law and Order and ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Akwa Ibom State,” the PRO stated.