Police Apprehend Boat Operator Linked To Kidnapping Syndicate In Akwa Ibom.
Police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested a boat operator suspected of ferrying kidnappers and their victims to remote creeks, marking a significant breakthrough in efforts to curb rising abductions in the region. The suspect, Nelson Samuel from Ibeno Local Government Area, was apprehended alongside Victor Tom, alias “Igbo Man” and “Mami,” in a targeted operation in Eket on 23 August 2025, as confirmed by police spokesperson Timfon John, a Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The arrests, announced on 25 August 2025, followed a raid on suspected illicit drug hotspots in Uyo, the state capital, where four other suspects were detained the previous day. John revealed that Samuel confessed to transporting criminals and their captives to hideouts in the creeks, facilitating high-profile kidnappings in Eket. Tom, identified as the mastermind behind a failed abduction attempt, admitted to orchestrating the kidnapping of two prominent businessmen in the area, with Samuel’s boat services enabling their operations.
The police operation, driven by actionable intelligence, underscores the force’s commitment to tackling the increasing crime rate in Akwa Ibom. John highlighted that the suspects’ arrests are part of a broader crackdown, with additional detentions of vandals and drug-related offenders in recent weeks. The statement also noted the recovery of significant quantities of suspected illicit drugs during the Uyo raids, reflecting the interconnected nature of criminal activities in the state.
Governor Umo Eno has previously expressed concern over vandalism and crime, particularly the destruction of public infrastructure like electricity transformers, which hinders rural development. The arrests signal a robust response to these challenges, with the police vowing to pursue fleeing gang members and dismantle their networks. The operation has been praised by local residents, who hope it will deter further kidnappings and restore safety to communities affected by rising criminality.
The Akwa Ibom Police Command urged the public to provide information on suspicious activities, emphasising that community cooperation is vital to sustaining these efforts. As investigations continue, the arrests of Samuel and Tom represent a critical step in disrupting kidnapping syndicates and securing the state’s waterways.
