By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Uyo
UYO: A coordinated police operation in Akwa Ibom has led to the arrest of six suspected kidnappers, including a Cameroonian woman, believed to be behind recent abductions in Eket and surrounding areas.
Spokesperson of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, DSP Timfon John, revealed in a statement on Thursday that the arrests were made following credible intelligence about a planned kidnapping in Eket Local Government Area. Acting swiftly, officers of the command tracked and apprehended the prime suspect, Joseph Alafia, in Oron on May 6, 2025.
The breakthrough arrest reportedly led to further raids in Afia Nsit Eket, resulting in the arrest of five additional suspects: Oyibo Ayibakumo Brown from Bayelsa State, Wisdom Harry and Afanye Igonikon from Rivers State, Dare Olaniyi from Ogun State (residing in Port Harcourt), and Tita Mercy Masume, a female national of Cameroon.
“During the operation, a Lexus RX 300 SUV suspected to have been used for kidnapping operations was recovered, along with five mobile phones believed to contain vital information,” John stated.
The Police Command said the suspects are currently undergoing intense interrogation and are believed to be connected to a string of recent abductions in the state.
Commending the success of the operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, praised the officers for their vigilance and swift action, assuring residents that the command remains firm in its resolve to rid the state of criminal elements.
“Our commitment to the safety and security of Akwa Ibom residents remains unwavering,” the police spokesperson affirmed.
The arrests mark a significant boost in the state’s security efforts amid growing concerns about criminal activity in oil-producing areas.