Army–DSS Joint Raid Nabs Alleged Kidnap Kingpin Emmanuel Akpan in Akwa Ibom; Troops Record Nationwide Gains | The Bureau News

By Queen Madaki

The Bureau News reports that a high-profile suspect, Emmanuel Akpan, described by intelligence sources as a “notorious kidnap kingpin” along the Oron–Ibaka axis of Eket LGA, Akwa Ibom State, has been arrested following a coordinated raid.

According to an official military statement, Akpan was apprehended on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, during a joint operation by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Brigade and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) from the Port Harcourt Command. The team stormed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout, leading to his capture. He is currently in DSS custody for further investigation.

Army Statement: Coordinated Operations and Key Arrests

The Nigerian Army, in its Friday update, highlighted significant operational gains across multiple theatres, including arrests, recovery of arms and ammunition, neutralisation of threats, and the surrender of insurgents.

“In a coordinated operation on 7 October 2025, troops of 2 Brigade in collaboration with DSS operatives from Port Harcourt Command raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout at Eket LGA of Akwa Ibom State, arresting a high-value target identified as Emmanuel Akpan, a notorious kidnap kingpin operating along the Oron/Ibaka axis,” the statement read.

North East: Suspected ISWAP/JAS Courier Arrested

On October 8, 2025, troops of 196 Amphibious Battalion in Baga, Kukawa LGA, Borno State, arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS fighter attempting to infiltrate the town. Preliminary findings indicate he acted as a logistics and intelligence courier between enclaves in Chad and the Niger Republic while posing as a surrendering combatant. He has been handed over to 403 Amphibious Brigade for further investigation.

North West: Ammunition Intercepted in Kaduna

Troops of the 4 Demonstration Battalion at a snap checkpoint along the Lere–Saminaka–Kaduna Road, Sabon Birni LGA, Kaduna State, intercepted two suspects transporting 1,307 rounds of 7.62mm (special), four mobile phones, and ₦27,000 cash. Investigations suggest the ammunition was being moved from Barakin Ladi, Plateau State, to Zamfara State.

North Central: Three ISWAP/JAS Suspects Surrender in Niger

Three suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists, including a woman, voluntarily surrendered to 68 Battalion troops in Bosso, Niger State, citing heavy military pressure and worsening conditions around the Tumbun Marcobina axis. They have been profiled for debriefing.

Borno: Contact in Konduga, RPG Bombs Recovered

Elsewhere, 222 Battalion engaged terrorists at Bazamri Village, Konduga LGA, forcing a withdrawal. Subsequent exploitation led to the recovery of two RPG bombs and a belt containing 150 rounds of 7.62×54mm ammunition.

South–South & Beyond: Illegal Refining Sites Dismantled

Across Rivers, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi, and Plateau States, troops arrested several criminal suspects, seized illegal arms, dismantled illicit refining sites, and intercepted stolen crude and petroleum products. Over 6,650 litres of PMS were recovered alongside multiple boats, vehicles, and refining equipment slated for destruction.

Army: Citizens’ Safety Remains Priority

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding communities and enabling a secure environment for national development. It urged citizens to continue sharing credible information to aid ongoing operations.

Cost-of-Living Angle: Security, Logistics & Food Prices

Security disruptions influence haulage and market supply chains, with consumers facing sustained price pressure. For current urban basket trends, see foodstuff price list Mile 12 Lagos today and foodstuff price list Wuse Market Abuja today.

Today’s Top Food Prices in Lagos & Abuja — The Bureau News

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