It is no longer business as usual for kidnappers in the oil-rich city of Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
The latest crackdown by operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, has led to two additional suspects meeting their Waterloo in connection with a recent failed kidnapping attempt in Eket.
According to DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Akwa Ibom State Police Command, the arrest followed a painstaking intelligence-gathering by men of the command.
In a press release issued in Uyo on Monday, August 25, 2025, the PPRO identified the two individuals arrested on August 22, 2025, as Victor Bassey Tom, a resident of Uqua Isi Edoho, Esit Eket Local Government Area, and Nelson Samuel of Okorotip, Ibeno Local Government Area.
DSP Timfon John disclosed that Victor Bassey Tom who is popularly known by his two aliases “Igbo Man” and “Mami” was identified by an earlier arrested suspect as the mastermind behind the failed kidnapping attempt.
Already, she said that the suspect has confessed to being part of the gang that recently kidnapped two top businessmen in Eket, while also being linked to several other kidnapping incidents within the Eket area.
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The other suspect, Nelson Samuel is said to be the boat operator who conveys the criminals and their victims to their creek, after every operation.
DSP Timfon John confirmed that both suspects have been taken into custody for further investigation and that the police are continuing their efforts towards apprehending other individuals mentioned during the interrogation.
She assured that 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 press release read, “Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully arrested two additional suspects in connection with a recent failed kidnapping attempt in Eket.
“Following a painstaking intelligence-gathering operation, Operatives of the Command in a joint operation, apprehended two individuals on August 22, 2025, around 1:00 AM. The suspects have been identified as Victor Bassey Tom, a resident of Uqua Isi Edoho, Esit Eket Local Government Area, and Nelson Samuel of Okorotip, Ibeno Local Government Area.
Victor Bassey Tom who is popularly known by his two aliases “Igbo Man” and “Mami” was identified by an earlier arrested suspect as the mastermind behind the failed kidnapping attempt. He has confessed to being part of the gang that recently kidnapped two top businessmen in Eket. He has been linked to several other kidnapping incidents within the Eket area.
“On the other hand, Nelson Samuel is the boat operator who conveys the criminals and their victims to their creek.
“Both suspects have been taken into custody for further investigation. The police are continuing their efforts towards apprehending other individuals mentioned during the interrogation.”
