In a major breakthrough, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare, has successfully rescued five kidnap victims, including a Director from the Ministry of Justice. The announcement was made during CP Azare’s maiden press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Uyo, where 19 suspects were paraded for crimes such as armed robbery, theft, kidnapping, vandalism, and sodomy.
The CP disclosed that the rescue operation followed a distress call in December 2024, reporting the abduction of the Director and his niece by five armed men. Acting swiftly, operatives raided the kidnappers’ hideout in a dense forest at Ikot Ukpong village in Abak Local Government Area. The victims were rescued unharmed from an abandoned soak-away, and the Director’s car, abandoned along Etinan Road, was recovered. Two suspects were neutralized during the operation, while two others—Ability Etim Samuel (45) and David Vincent Samuel (36)—were arrested.
In another successful operation, three victims from Ikpanya village in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area were rescued without paying a N5 million ransom. The suspects, identified as Francis Bassey Ekpo and Ezekiel Nse Okon, confessed to belonging to the “Oyobio” kidnapping group and named Eseme Ikpebe as their kingpin. Efforts to apprehend the kingpin and other fleeing members are ongoing.
Expressing his relief, the rescued Justice Ministry Director commended CSP Koko Ebong and the SWAT team for their courage and professionalism during the operation.
Meanwhile, CP Azare revealed the arrest of Etinyene Joseph Bassey, identified as the leader of the Italian Mafia cult overseeing several regions in Uyo. Bassey, who had previously evaded capture, was found in possession of a locally made pistol and a jackknife.
The CP further announced the arrest of 19 suspects linked to crimes, including conspiracy, theft, kidnapping, fraud, impersonation, transformer vandalism, cult activities, and illegal possession of firearms. Among them were 10 tricycle operators accused of aiding the transport of stolen goods during the early hours.
Addressing the media, CP Azare reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling crime in the state. He warned miscreants, including those involved in conflicts with Fulani herdsmen and attacks on livestock, that the Police would enforce the state’s anti-grazing law and prosecute offenders to the fullest extent.
This series of arrests and rescues marks a strong start to CP Azare’s tenure in Akwa Ibom, signaling a renewed focus on ensuring security and upholding the rule of law.
