The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two men after a botched kidnap attempt in Eket Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, identified as Victor Bassey Tom, also known by the aliases “Igbo Man” and “Mami”, and Nelson Samuel, were apprehended in the early hours of Friday, August 22, 2025.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Monday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said the operation was the outcome of “painstaking intelligence gathering.”
“Operatives of the Command, in a joint operation, arrested two suspects around 1:00 a.m. on August 22 following credible intelligence. They were picked up in connection with a foiled kidnap attempt in Eket,” John stated.
She explained that Tom, from Esit Eket LGA, was fingered by another arrested suspect as the mastermind of the operation.
“He has confessed to being part of the gang that kidnapped two prominent businessmen in Eket and has also been linked to other abductions in the area,” the statement added.
The second suspect, Samuel, from Ibeno LGA, was identified as the boat operator responsible for ferrying the gang and their victims to a creek hideout.
Both men are currently in custody as investigations continue.
DSP John assured residents that the police remain vigilant in the fight against violent crimes.
“The Command is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Akwa Ibom State, and we will not relent in bringing criminal elements to justice,” she said.