Press Release
A kidnap victim was rescued in Obotim Village, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area by Akwa Ibom Police Command following sustained and intelligence-driven tactical operations across identified locations in the State.
‘‘On 10th February 2026, at about 2140hrs, armed men operating in an unregistered vehicle reportedly invaded a supermarket in Obotim Village, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, and abducted a man (name withheld) to an unknown destination.
”The hoodlums subsequently contacted the family, demanding a ransom of Thirty Million Naira (₦30,000,000). They also carted away a Moniepoint POS machine and fraudulently withdrew the sum of One Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1,900,000).
‘‘In strict compliance with the firm directive of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of the victim, the Command’s Tactical Teams swung into decisive action, deploying coordinated operational strategies aimed at securing the victim unharmed and tracking down the perpetrators.
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‘‘Through effective inter-unit synergy, rapid intelligence gathering, and strategic deployment of operational assets, the victim was successfully rescued unharmed in less than 24 hours after the incident was reported. This swift response underscores the Command’s readiness, professionalism, and zero-tolerance stance against kidnapping and other violent crimes within the State,’’ the Police Command stated.
A press release signed by DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Image maker for the State Commissioner of Police on Saturday, February 14, said ‘‘The victim has been taken to a medical facility for examination and necessary care and is confirmed to be in stable condition.’’
‘‘The Command has intensified its manhunt for the perpetrators of this heinous crime. All operational assets have been fully activated to ensure the swift apprehension of the culprits and their prosecution in accordance with the law. The Command remains resolute and will not relent until every individual connected to this criminal act is brought to justice.’’
The Commissioner of Police commends the bravery, professionalism, and resilience of the Tactical Teams involved in the operation. He further reassures residents of Akwa Ibom State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and warns criminal elements that there will be no safe haven for them within the State.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to the Police to aid ongoing operations.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains steadfast in its resolve to rid the State of criminal elements and sustain the prevailing peace and security enjoyed by law-abiding citizens.
In another development, operatives of the Akwa Ibom Police Command successfully raided some black spots at Ntak Inyang, along Calabar–Itu Road in sustained compliance with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare.
‘‘The operation, which took place on 14th February 2026 at about 1135hrs, led to the arrest of one suspect, Akin Robert ‘M’, who hails from Ogbomoso South in Oyo State.
‘‘Upon search, the suspect was found in possession of a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, a dagger, a pair of scissors, and the sum of Forty-Six Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (₦46,500.00), reasonably suspected to be proceeds from illicit drug sales.’’
A press release signed by DSP Timfon John, the Command’s spokesperson for the Commissioner of Police on Sunday, February 15, said ‘‘The suspect was promptly arrested at the scene and taken into custody for thorough investigation.’’
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reiterates its zero tolerance stance against drug related crimes and other criminal activities that threaten the peace and stability of the State. Residents are encouraged to continue providing credible information to the Police to aid ongoing operations.
The Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the State.
