The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced the successful rescue of a kidnapped victim following sustained, intelligence-driven tactical operations across identified locations within the state.
The incident occurred on February 10, 2026, at about 9:40 p.m., when armed men operating in an unregistered vehicle invaded a supermarket in Obotim village, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, and abducted a man (name withheld) to an unknown destination.
The suspects later contacted the victim’s family, demanding a ransom of Thirty Million Naira (₦30,000,000).
The hoodlums also made away with a Moniepoint POS machine and fraudulently withdrew the sum of One Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1,900,000).
In strict compliance with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, tactical teams of the Command immediately launched coordinated operations aimed at securing the safe release of the victim and tracking down the perpetrators.
Through effective inter-unit collaboration, rapid intelligence gathering, and strategic deployment of operational assets, the victim was rescued unharmed less than 24 hours after the incident was reported.
He has since been taken to a medical facility for examination and is confirmed to be in stable condition.
The Command has intensified its manhunt for those responsible. All operational assets have been activated to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery, professionalism, and resilience of the tactical teams involved in the operation.
He reassured residents of Akwa Ibom State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, warning criminal elements that there will be no safe haven for them within the state.
Also, members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to assist ongoing operations.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the state of criminal elements and sustain the peace and security enjoyed by law-abiding citizens.
