By John Moses
Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has been praised by a leading human rights organisation after it reportedly thwarted a major kidnapping attempt in Akwa Ibom State during the recent Eid al-Adha celebrations.
The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) issued a statement on Monday commending the DSS for what it described as a “significant security breakthrough” following the arrest of four suspected gang leaders linked to several high-profile abductions across the South-South region.
According to CHRAN’s statement, signed by its Director, Franklyn Isong, and Secretary, Barr. Christopher Ekpo, the operation was carried out over the weekend in Oron Local Government Area. The security agency reportedly seized two AK-47 rifles and six loaded magazines during the raid.
The suspects are believed to be responsible for the November 2024 kidnapping of two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian employee of a quarry firm in neighbouring Cross River State. During that incident, a police inspector guarding the victims was shot dead and his weapon stolen.
CHRAN said the group had also been linked to previous abductions targeting prominent businessmen and traditional rulers in Uyo, Eket, and other parts of the state.
The statement also cited intelligence suggesting the gang had entered Akwa Ibom with plans to abduct key political figures attending the defection ceremony of Governor Umo Eno from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—an event that coincided with the Muslim holiday.
“Their targets have consistently included expatriate oil executives, wealthy entrepreneurs, and respected local leaders,” the organisation quoted security sources as saying.
CHRAN urged the DSS to continue its covert operations across the region, stressing the importance of such efforts in combating sea piracy, kidnapping, and organised crime.
