In a significant security breakthrough, the Department of State Services (DSS) successfully thwarted a planned mass kidnapping during the Eid El-Kabir celebrations in Akwa Ibom State. This covert operation, executed over the weekend of June 7–8, 2025, led to the arrest of four suspected gang commanders and the seizure of two AK-47 rifles along with six fully loaded magazines. The targeted abductions were intended to disrupt the state’s political landscape during a sensitive period—the defection of Governor Umo Eno from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The DSS’s swift action not only prevented potential chaos but also underscored the agency’s commitment to national security.
Background
Context of the Sallah Festivities
Eid El-Kabir, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic holidays in Nigeria. In 2025, the celebrations coincided with a politically charged event—the defection of Governor Umo Eno from the PDP to the APC. Such political shifts often attract heightened attention and can become flashpoints for unrest. The timing of the planned kidnappings during this period suggests a deliberate attempt to exploit the festive atmosphere for political destabilization.
Political Climate in Akwa Ibom
Governor Umo Eno’s defection marked a pivotal moment in Akwa Ibom’s political landscape. The move from the PDP to the APC was seen as a significant shift in the state’s political alignment. This transition not only altered the power dynamics within the state but also had broader implications for the South‑South geopolitical zone. High‑profile political events often attract both support and opposition, making them potential targets for disruption by various groups.
The Foiled Kidnap Plot
Targeted Individuals
The primary targets of the planned kidnappings were key political figures attending the Governor’s defection ceremony. The gang aimed to abduct these individuals to create a political crisis and destabilize the state’s leadership during a sensitive transition period. The selection of such high‑profile targets indicates the group’s intent to make a significant impact on political stability.
Gang’s Profile
The group responsible for the plot was identified as a sea pirate gang with a history of high‑profile abductions across the South‑South region. Their previous operations included the November 2024 kidnapping of two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian staff member of MarkSino Quarry in Cross River State. During that incident, a police inspector was killed and his AK‑47 rifle was seized. The gang’s modus operandi involved targeting expatriate staff of oil companies, high‑net‑worth business owners, and prominent traditional rulers.
Weapons Recovered
During the DSS operation, two AK‑47 rifles and six fully loaded magazines were recovered from the gang’s hideout in Oron Local Government Area. The presence of these weapons underscores the group’s preparedness and the potential scale of their planned operations. The seizure highlights the DSS’s effectiveness in disrupting organized criminal activities.
DSS’s Role and Response
Covert Operation
The DSS conducted a weekend raid in Oron, leading to the arrest of four gang commanders. The operation was precise and timely, reflecting the agency’s capability in executing covert missions. Intelligence gathering and strategic planning were central to its success.
Previous Successes
The gang had previously been involved in the November 2024 kidnapping of two Chinese expatriates and a Nigerian staff member of MarkSino Quarry in Cross River State. During that operation, a police inspector was killed and his firearm stolen. The DSS’s ability to track and apprehend the gang members demonstrates its commitment to tackling transnational criminal activity.
Public Acknowledgment
The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) commended the DSS for its timely intervention. CHRAN praised the agency for preventing a politically motivated crisis, emphasizing the importance of proactive security measures in protecting democratic processes and maintaining regional stability.
The DSS’s swift action in foiling the kidnapping plot during the Sallah festivities underscored its dedication to national security. The operation prevented a politically motivated crisis and showcased the agency’s commitment to safeguarding democratic processes. Continued vigilance and intelligence gathering are essential to prevent similar threats in the future. Citizens are encouraged to remain alert and report suspicious activities to support ongoing security efforts.
