The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its fight against crime with the arrest of two suspected kidnappers in Eket.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the suspects—identified as Victor Bassey Tom of Uqua Isi Edoho in Esit Eket Local Government Area, and Nelson Samuel of Okorotip in Ibeno Local Government Area, were apprehended on August 22, 2025, around 1:00 a.m. following an intelligence-led joint operation.
Victor Bassey Tom, popularly known by his aliases “Igbo Man” and “Mami”, was named by an earlier arrested suspect as the mastermind behind a foiled kidnapping attempt in Eket. He reportedly confessed to being part of the gang responsible for the abduction of two prominent businessmen in the area, and has been linked to several other kidnapping cases within Eket and its environs.
His alleged accomplice, Nelson Samuel, is said to have served as the boat operator for the gang, ferrying both victims and criminals to a creek hideout.
Both men are currently in custody as investigations continue, with the police vowing to track down other members of the gang mentioned during 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 region,” the statement assured.
