Tuesday 23 November 2021 : The  Cross River State Police Command has rescued a medical Doctor, Dr. Edmund Akpaikpe of Irua Specialist hospital, Edo state, around Esigi village in Bakassi Local Government Area.
Reports  gathered that Dr Edmund Akpaikpe who was kidnapped on Sunday in Bakassi while dropping off his maid at Esigi village regained freedom after Anti Kidnapping &Cultism Squad AKCS (Dragon)were closing in on the kidnappers around the location where he was kept in the forest at about 2:00 am on Tuesday.

An internal security source who disclosed to CEOAFRICA on the condition of anonymity said, after actionable intelligence was provided, Anti Kidnapping and Cultism Squad ( Dragon) led by SP Abdulhameed Awodi swung into action combing the area, when they realized they could be apprehended they let Dr Edmund go after they were given a hot chase.
 More findings also showed that, the suspects abandoned the victim’s vehicle, a black Toyota Camry with REG AAA 564 BZ, while the police squad arrested three notorious kidnap suspects in connection with the abduction of Dr Akpaikpe, they include Samuel Ime Thompson, 25 years, Kingsley Mbetobong, 23 years, and Asuquo Ekpo Etim, 26 years who all have also confessed to the crime.
Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Irene Ugbo, who confirmed the rescue of Dr Akpaikpe on the telephone, Police said against all odds they have been recording success as the police have facilitated the release of four kidnap victims in one week.
She told newsmen that the spate of kidnapping in the country was saddening especially now that we are coming to the end of the year, adding that a lot of criminally minded individuals now “use” the excuse of trying to meet up to get into various crime including kidnapping.
“We want to use this opportunity to warn criminally minded individuals to either leave the state or be law-abiding, we have resolved to go after anyone who is involved in crime with brutal force, as we will not treat any kidnapper with kid gloves.
“The rescue of Dr. Akpaikpe is yet another success by AKCS, and we commend SP Awodi and his men, including other units for carrying out the orders of the CP, Aminu Alhassan to the latter, we laud Dragon Squad for their dexterity because they are giving their all to making sure CrossRiverians go about their lawful activities.
“We are also appealing to the public especially those living within riverine area, creeks not to keep quiet whenever there is suspicious movement or see a face that is not known in their vicinity, they should always keep us abreast of such, because it makes our job easier, she said.
Speaking further, she said the trio have confessed to the crime and would be charged to court adding that police was still on the trail of two other members of the five-man gang who escaped during the operation.
 Dr Akpaikpe who was severely brutalized by his abductors was now receiving treatment in a hospital and was also in a stable condition.