Three suspected kidnappers nabbed by Navy in A’Ibom

The Nigerian Navy in Akwa Ibom State on Monday arrested three suspected kidnappers at the Ebughu, Mbo Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects, who were paraded before journalists in Ikot Abasi, were said to have been arrested following a tip-off.

The commander of the NN Jubilee, Ikot Abasi, Commodore Joel Ogazi, identified the suspects as Gabriel Asuquo, Bassey Nyong, and Gideon Ebong.

Ogazi said some other suspects escaped, adding that the community and the navy personnel were intensifying efforts toward arresting them.

Ogazi said the captain of the fishing boat and the victim had been freed and were with the navy.

He said, “I can confirm to you that the captain of a fishing trawler that was kidnapped has been released and is presently in our custody.

“We were also able to rescue two other captains of fishing trawlers kidnapped about a month ago and they have given us useful information on the criminals.”

He reiterated the command’s commitment to rid the state of kidnappers and check other security challenges.

“As far as we are concerned, this place will not be made safe for criminals. There is no hiding place for criminals in the state,’’ he said.

He added that the security network put in place by the navy had begun producing results.

According to him, sea piracy has caused untold hardship to fishermen in the area. He promised to step up security in the area against the menace.

“We are going to leave no stone unturned until we flush out hoodlums in our area of operations,’’ Ogazi said.

He pleaded with the host communities to provide NN with useful information which could lead to the arrest and prosecution of more criminals in the area.

He said, “We are appealing to our host communities to cooperate with us on the operation to fish out hoodlums for the benefits of all.”

He said the economy of the host communities had been comatose following the massive operations of the criminals in the area.

Ogazi added that the suspected kidnappers had been handed over to the State Security Service for further investigations.

Source: Punch