In the ongoing crackdown on criminal elements, the Anti-Kidnapping operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested two suspects in a botched abduction attempt in Eket local government area of the State.
Police also arrested a notorious cult leader linked to several kidnapping cases in Okobo, Mbo and Oron local government areas of the State.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this to journalists in Uyo on Monday in Uyo, said the arrest followed intelligence – led operations diligently carried out by the Police operatives.
“On August 16, 2025, at approximately 9:15pm, operatives of the Command, in a joint operation successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a cache of weapons.
“The Police Command received a distress call from a concerned citizen about a suspected kidnapping on Factory Road, Afia Nsit, Eket. Operatives immediately mobilised 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,” John said.
She added that a pursuit was initiated, leading to the arrest of two suspects including Okon Edem Okon, a resident of Oyoku in Urue-Offong Oruko LGA as well as 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 Police Spokesperson recalled.
She listed the incriminating items recovered from the suspects to include one AK-47 rifle with 15 rounds of ammunition and 3 magazines, 1 assault rifle with 52 rounds of ammunition and three magazines.
Police also recovered 1 pump-action shotgun with 6 live cartridges,
1 Redmi 14C phone, head warmer, charms, and a pair of black rubber sandals.
The PPRO also added that a notorious kidnap gang leader, one Asuquo Udo, a male resident of Ube village in Okobo LGA, said to have been on the Command’s wanted list for his alleged involvement in multiple kidnap incidents was also arrested.
“Investigations revealed that Udo, is a principal suspect in the kidnap of a paramount ruler (name withheld) in October 2024, and the wife of an Executive Chairman (name withheld) in November 2024. He is also believed to have been a participant in several other kidnapping activities across the Oron, Mbo, and Okobo LGAs,” Timfon said.
She stressed that discreet investigations were currently ongoing to apprehend other members of his gang and recover their operational weapons.
