Police foil kidnap attempt, arrest suspects, recover arms in A’Ibom

Etim Ekpimah

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in a joint operation, foiled a kidnap attempt, arrested two suspects, and recovered a cache of weapons.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Timfon John, the incident occurred on 16 August 2025, around 9:15 pm.

John said the police command received a distress call from a concerned citizen about a suspected kidnapping on Factory Road, Afia Nsit, Eket. She added that operatives immediately mobilised and responded to the scene.

“The victim (name withheld) was rescued. He told the Police he was about to drive into his home when four men attempted to force their way into his vehicle. The commotion and prompt arrival of the joint team caused the assailants to flee the scene.

“A pursuit was initiated, leading to the arrest of two suspects: one Okon Edem Okon, a resident of Oyoku, Urue-Offong/Oruko LGA, and Emmanuel Bassey, a resident of Udung-Uko LGA.

“Following the arrest, operatives conducted a further search of an uncompleted building in a nearby bush, where they recovered a sack bag containing a significant cache of weapons and other items.

“The recovered items include: One AK-47 rifle with 15 rounds of ammunition and 3 magazines; one assault rifle with 52 rounds of ammunition and 3 magazines; one pump-action shotgun with 6 live cartridges; one Redmi 14C phone, and a head warmer, charms, and a pair of black rubber sandals,” she said.

John said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.