By Anietie Akpan
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully arrested two additional suspects in connection with a recent failed kidnapping attempt in Eket.
A statement dated August 25 and signed by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the two individuals were arrested on August 22, following a painstaking intelligence-gathering operation by the Operatives of the Command in a joint operation.
The statement said, “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”.
According to the statement, he has been linked to several other kidnapping incidents within the Eket area.
On the other hand, the Police said, “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”.
The statement reiterated 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.
