Suspect linked to multiple abductions confesses as officers intensify crackdown on criminal syndicates
By Emmanuel Ntekim
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on violent crime with the arrest of a suspected notorious kidnapper and cultist in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Ubong Michael, popularly known as “Ubong Boy,” was apprehended on April 22, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m. in Ikot Aka Village following credible intelligence.
Police sources disclosed that the suspect had long been on the Command’s wanted list and was tracked after intelligence reports revealed he had secretly returned to the community from Port Harcourt, where he had been in hiding.
According to a release signed by the force spokesperson DSP Timfon John, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is a key figure in several kidnapping operations across the state, including the abduction of individuals identified as Gabriel in 2023 and John in 2025.
A search conducted at the point of arrest led to the recovery of disturbing exhibits, including a human skull suspected to belong to one of the victims, a human bone, two live cartridges, and a dagger.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crimes and is currently assisting the police with critical information aimed at apprehending other fleeing members of the syndicate and recovering additional weapons.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives for their swift, intelligence-driven response and reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to rid Akwa Ibom State of violent crimes.
He warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law, stressing that the state will remain hostile to criminal operations.
The Police Command further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support law enforcement agencies with timely and credible information, assuring residents of sustained efforts to safeguard lives and property.
