The retired staff of Shell Petroleum Company who was kidnapped by four unknown gunmen dressed in military camouflage has been rescued.
The sting operation to rescue the 63 years old man (name withheld) was carried out on Saturday, June 22, 2024 by SWAT operatives on the orders of the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara.
The victim was reportedly kidnapped on June 17, 2024.
This was made known in a statement issued today and made available to The Frontier by the Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, Timfon John, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
Below is the full statement:
24th June, 2024
AKWA IBOM STATE POLICE COMMAND
PRESS RELEASE
AKWA IBOM POLICE RESCUES KIDNAPPED VICTIM
DEATH OF A SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER AS POLICE ENGAGES DARE DEVIL KIDNAPPERS, LAUNCHES MANHUNT FOR FLEEING SUSPECTS
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped victim who was abducted and held hostage.
On 22/06/2024 following intelligence information available at the Command’s disposal about the whereabout of a retired Shell Petroleum Company worker, (Name witheld) ‘M’ 63 yrs, that was kidnapped on 17/06/2024 by four unknown armed men dressed in military camouflage, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, CP Waheed Ayilara had ordered the SWAT operatives of the command to immediately swing into action.
Upon sighting the Police, the kidnappers started firing at them. During the ensuing gun duel, one of the Kidnappers sustained serious gun shots injury, while others escaped. The injured suspects were taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead.
The victim was rescued unhurt in a compound located at Ikot Udobong Village in Etim Ekpo LGA. Preliminary investigations revealed that the kidnappers had initially demanded for #50million ransom and was later agreed to #20 million, however, no ransom was paid as at the time of the rescue. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, CP Waheed Ayilara has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to rid the state of crime and criminal elements.
The CP while appreciating Akwa Ibomites for the support to the command, urged them to report any suspicious movements or persons to the Police through the command’s emergency line 09040000065, 08020913810 or report to the nearest police station.
ASP TIMFON JOHN Anipr
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE,
AKWA IBOM STATE POLICE COMMAND.
