The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced the arrest of a notorious kidnap kingpin, Okon Asuquo Udo, who has been on the run for several months. Udo, believed to be behind multiple high-profile abductions in the state, was finally apprehended by police operatives in his home village of Ube in Okobo Local Government Area.
This breakthrough, which the police described as a “major milestone” in the fight against kidnapping and violent crime, was made possible through credible intelligence gathered by the command.
In a statement issued in Uyo on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Timfon John, confirmed the arrest and gave details of Udo’s criminal history and the efforts that led to his capture.
According to the statement, Udo is a key suspect in the October 2024 kidnap of a Paramount Ruler in Akwa Ibom State, an incident that drew widespread attention and condemnation from traditional institutions and the general public.
He is also believed to have masterminded the November 2024 abduction of the wife of an Executive Chairman in one of the state’s local government areas. In both cases, the victims were later released after undisclosed ransom payments, but the police continued their hunt for those behind the crimes.
SP Timfon John said investigations have confirmed Udo’s direct involvement in both incidents, adding that he is also suspected to have participated in several other kidnapping operations across Oron, Mbo, and Okobo LGAs—areas that have seen rising insecurity in recent years.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully arrested a key suspect linked to several high-profile kidnapping cases in the state,” the statement read.
“Following credible intelligence on August 13, 2025, at approximately 11:00 am, operatives of the Command apprehended the suspect, one Okon Asuquo Udo, a male resident of Ube village in Okobo LGA. Udo had been on the Command’s wanted list for his alleged involvement in multiple kidnap incidents.”
Despite being on the run for several months, Udo was eventually located and arrested in his home village, a move that surprised many locals. According to the police, he had been using various hideouts across the region before returning quietly to Ube village, likely believing he was no longer being actively pursued.
However, through the help of informants and local intelligence, police officers tracked him down and made the arrest without resistance.
The police have since launched a follow-up operation aimed at capturing other members of Udo’s criminal gang and recovering weapons and tools used in their operations.
“Discreet investigations are currently ongoing to apprehend other members of his gang and recover their operational weapons,” SP John added.
Kidnapping has become one of the major security concerns in parts of Akwa Ibom State, especially in riverine and rural areas such as Oron, Mbo, and Okobo. Victims often include local government officials, traditional leaders, business owners, and their family members.
The police and state government have been under increasing pressure from residents to tackle the menace and restore peace in affected communities.
While several arrests have been made in the past, many of the suspects are either released on bail or escape conviction due to weak evidence or prolonged legal processes.
However, the arrest of Udo is being seen as a major step forward. Community leaders and civil society groups have commended the police for their efforts and called for quick prosecution to ensure justice is served.
Following the arrest, residents of Ube village and surrounding communities expressed shock that such a high-profile criminal had been living among them.
“We had heard rumours that some criminal elements were using the area to hide, but no one imagined it was someone like Udo,” said Chief Edet Bassey, a village elder. “We thank the police for acting swiftly and hope this will serve as a warning to others.”
A youth leader in the area also urged the police to increase patrols and surveillance in the region, stressing that many criminals hide in remote communities where there is little security presence.
The police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that more arrests will follow. SP Timfon John said the suspect is currently in custody and would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has renewed its appeal to the public for timely information that could lead to the arrest of other criminals still at large.
“We are determined to rid Akwa Ibom of all criminal elements,” the statement concluded. “We urge citizens to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with useful information.”
As the state battles rising insecurity, the arrest of Okon Asuquo Udo brings some relief and hope that the tide may finally be turning in favour of law enforcement.
