Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have rescued two kidnapped victims during an intelligence-driven operation in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of the state.
The police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the development at the command headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, explaining that the success of the operation was made possible through credible information provided by local residents.
According to her, the victims, aged 68 and 41, were abducted on April 15, 2026, at about 8:19 p.m.
The incident occurred when suspected attackers from Edem Idim Okpot Village allegedly assaulted residents of Odoro Atasung Village who were harvesting palm fruits in a disputed swamp area.
The attackers reportedly whisked the two victims away to an unknown location.
Acting swiftly on intelligence, police operatives stormed a suspected hideout in the early hours of April 16 at about 6:10 a.m.
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Upon sighting the approaching officers, the kidnappers fled into the surrounding bushes, abandoning their captives.
Both victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.
During the operation, the police recovered a locally made short gun and a live cartridge believed to have been left behind by the fleeing suspects.
Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend those responsible.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the abduction is linked to a long-standing dispute over ownership of a palm fruit plantation, a matter currently before a customary court in Ikot Ubo Village.
In response to the incident, the police have invited leaders of the affected communities for a peace meeting aimed at resolving the conflict and preventing further violence.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, urged all parties to remain calm and allow legal processes to take their course, warning against taking the law into their own hands.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring peace and security across the state.
