The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dealt a significant blow to kidnapping activities in the state, dismantling a notorious gang responsible for a string of abductions in Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and surrounding areas. The successful operation, which resulted in the death of one suspect and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and substantial cash, has been hailed as a major victory against crime in the state.
According to DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer, the gang was the main force behind recent kidnapping activities 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 took a dramatic turn when the suspects, in a desperate bid to escape, 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 fierce exchange left all five suspects injured and subsequently apprehended. They were rushed to a hospital where one of them was pronounced dead. A sweeping search of the hideouts yielded an impressive array of weapons and items, including:
- Firearms: one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, one pump-action shotgun, and a locally made dane gun
- Electronics: three GSM button phones, an electric power amplifier, and a conga drum
- Miscellaneous: a bag of crayfish, a tambourine, and a cash sum of ₦3,130,600
The Police Command has sent a stern warning to other criminal elements, with John declaring, “Akwa Ibom is no longer a safe haven for illegal activities.” The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, commended the tactical team for their bravery and urged residents to maintain vigilance and cooperate with security agencies in the fight against crime.