The Civil and Human Rights Accountability Network (CHRAN) has applauded the Department of State Services (DSS) for its swift action in preventing what could have been a major kidnap operation during the Eid El-Kabir festivities in Akwa Ibom State.
According to intelligence shared by credible security sources, the DSS apprehended four key commanders of a deadly sea pirate gang suspected to be behind the November 2024 abduction of two Chinese expatriates and a Nigerian employee of the MarkSino Quarry in neighbouring Cross River State. That attack had also claimed the life of a Police Inspector who was killed while on duty, with his AK-47 rifle stolen by the kidnappers.
The gang, known for targeting expatriates, wealthy entrepreneurs, and traditional rulers across the South-South region, reportedly infiltrated Akwa Ibom last week. Their plan, security sources say, was to kidnap top politicians attending Governor Umo Eno’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) an event that coincided with the Sallah holidays.
The DSS launched a covert weekend raid at a hideout in Oron, where four gang leaders were arrested. Two AK-47 rifles and six fully loaded magazines were recovered from the scene.
“This is a remarkable breakthrough in the efforts to restore security and public confidence in Akwa Ibom and the wider South-South region,” said CHRAN’s State Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong.
He continued, “The DSS deserves our commendation. These arrests are not just victories over crime but also a strong signal to criminal networks that their days are numbered.”
Isong further urged the security agency not to rest on its oars, stressing the importance of sustained intelligence-driven interventions to weaken longstanding kidnap-for-ransom operations plaguing the region.
According to preliminary findings, the arrested gang members have also been linked to several past kidnappings in Uyo, Eket, and Oron, including the abduction of respected traditional rulers and influential business figures.
CHRAN also called on residents to remain vigilant and to support the DSS and other security agencies by providing timely information, especially during public holidays and high-profile political gatherings.
“This is how we win the war on terror through cooperation, intelligence, and the courage to act before the criminals strike,” Isong added.
The DSS is yet to issue a formal statement as investigations continue into the gang’s broader network and future plots.
