The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has disbanded a notorious kidnapping gang that was responsible for a series of abductions in Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and the surrounding environs.
Hailed as a major triumph against crime in the state, the operation resulted in the discovery of weapons, ammo, and large amount of cash in addition to the death of one suspect.
DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday, identifying the gang as the primary force behind previous kidnappings in the region.
“Acting on credible intelligence, a joint tactical team stormed multiple criminal hideouts at Ikpe Annang, Ikpe Ikot Akpan, and Ikot Inyang in Essien Udim Local Government Area,” John revealed.
The operation escalated rapidly when the suspects, in a frantic attempt to flee, opened fire on the approaching officers.
“On sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire in a desperate attempt to evade arrest,” John said. “The officers responded swiftly, engaging them in a gun duel.”
The intense gunfire exchange left all five suspects wounded, and they were eventually apprehended. They were taken to a hospital, where one of them was later pronounced dead.
As the hideouts were searched extensively, “security operatives recovered an array of weapons, including one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, one pump-action shotgun, and a locally made dane gun.
“Other seized items included a bag of crayfish, a tambourine, an electric power amplifier, a conga drum, three GSM button phones, and a cash sum of ₦3,130,600.”
The PPRO stressed the Command’s commitment to eliminating criminal elements from the state and issued a strong warning to others contemplating similar activities.
“Akwa Ibom is no longer a safe haven for illegal activities,” John declared.
In response to the successful operation, Commissioner of Police Baba Azare praised the tactical team for their courage and urged residents to remain vigilant.
He further urged for stronger cooperation between the public and security agencies to combat crime effectively.
Residents have received assurances from the Police Command that the state’s attempts to break up criminal networks will not stop.
