How Police Officers Reacted To Distress Call, Arrested Two ‘Kidnappers’ And Rescued Victim In Akwa Ibom

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the arrest of two suspected kidnappers and the rescue of a victim in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

In a statement on Sunday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said the August 16 operation in Eket followed a distress call over an attempted kidnap at Factory Road, Afia Nsit.

Adejobi said the response led to the rescue of a victim identified as Emerson and the arrest of two suspects — Okon Edem and Emmanuel Bassey.

He said a search of an uncompleted building in a nearby bush led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, an assault rifle, 67 rounds of ammunition, a pump-action shotgun with six live cartridges, six magazines, and a mobile phone allegedly belonging to the suspects.

The police spokesperson added that efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang.

In a separate operation in Nasarawa state on August 18, operatives recovered firearms and over ₦6.9 million in cash after a vehicle crash in Angwan Mayo community, Garaku.

Adejobi said one suspect, Mohammed Tahir from Barkin Ladi, Plateau state, was arrested during a joint manhunt with the military.

He said the suspect confessed to being part of a seven-member gang behind the abduction of a lawyer in Nyanya, Abuja.