The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough with the arrest of a notorious kidnapper and cultist who had long been on the Command’s wanted list.

Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, noted that the incident happened on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at about 17:00 hours.

According to him, operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, swiftly mobilised to Ikot Aka Village in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, where one Ubong Michael, also known as “Ubong Boy” (male, 30 years), was apprehended.

He said, “The suspect, who had been in hiding in Port Harcourt, was arrested following intelligence indicating that he had secretly returned to the community.

He added that preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect is a key figure in multiple kidnapping operations, including the abduction of one Gabriel in 2023 and one John in 2025.

She averred that a search conducted upon his arrest led to the recovery of the following disturbing exhibits:

“One human skull (suspected to belong to a victim), one human bone, two live cartridges, one dagger”

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the crimes and is currently assisting the Police with vital information, aiding ongoing efforts to recover additional weapons and apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

“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 ridding Akwa Ibom State of all forms of violent crime”.

She highlighted that the Command has issued a stern warning to all criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law, stressing that Akwa Ibom State remains, and will continue to be, a hostile environment for criminal elements.

“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with timely and credible information. The Command assures residents of its sustained resolve to ensure the safety of lives and property across the State”.