Akwa Ibom Police arrest four suspects over a robbery that left one person dead and another kidnapped, recovering a pistol, suspected drugs and other items.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced the arrest of four suspects allegedly linked to an armed robbery operation in Etinan Local Government Area that left one person dead and another abducted.
The incident, which occurred on July 12, 2026, took place at Ikot Itienang Village, Ekom Eman, where armed assailants reportedly attacked residents during a robbery operation.
According to the police, the attack resulted in the death of one person, while another victim was taken away by the criminals.
The development prompted an investigation by operatives of the command, who subsequently traced and arrested four individuals suspected to have connections with the incident.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the arrests, describing the development as a significant breakthrough in efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the violent attack.
John said two of the suspects are believed to be members of the robbery gang that carried out the operation, while the remaining two were allegedly involved in receiving some of the property reportedly stolen during the incident.
Those identified as suspected members of the robbery gang are Gospel Effiong, popularly known as “Python,” and Solomon Okon, also known as “Plane.”
The other two suspects were identified as Musa Kabiru, a native of Plateau State, and Victor Dickson. Kabiru is allegedly suspected of receiving some of the items stolen during the robbery.
The police said the arrests followed detailed investigative efforts carried out after the attack. Investigators are believed to have followed available leads to identify individuals suspected to have participated in the crime or assisted in disposing of property taken during the operation.
Police recover weapon, suspected Indian hemp
Further developments in the investigation reportedly followed a search conducted at the residence of Okon.
According to the police, operatives recovered a locally manufactured pistol containing one cartridge from the premises. The discovery, the command said, formed part of the items being examined as investigators work to determine the role played by the suspect in the robbery.
A large quantity of suspected Indian hemp was also reportedly found during the search.
Police operatives further recovered a red cap bearing the inscription “Supreme Red Skin Confraternity,” as well as an item suspected to be a charm.
Other materials considered relevant to the investigation were also recovered from the residence, according to the command.
The police said the recovered items would form part of the evidence being examined as the investigation continues. The command is also expected to establish whether the weapon was used during the robbery or other criminal activities.
In its account of the development, the command said the investigation had produced encouraging results following what it described as painstaking efforts by its operatives.
The arrests are expected to assist the police in establishing the identities and roles of other individuals who may have been involved in the attack.
Investigation continues
Although four suspects have been arrested, the police have not indicated that the investigation has been concluded.
The command said efforts were ongoing to gather further information about the robbery and locate any other individuals who may have participated in the crime.
Investigators are also expected to examine the relationship between the arrested suspects and determine how the allegedly stolen property moved from the scene of the robbery to those suspected of receiving it.
The development comes as security agencies across Akwa Ibom continue efforts to tackle violent crimes, including robbery, kidnapping and other offences capable of threatening the safety of residents.
The police command reiterated that its primary responsibility remains the protection of lives and property across the state.
It also assured residents that officers and other personnel would continue to pursue individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities.
John called on members of the public to assist the police by providing useful information about criminal activities and the whereabouts of suspects who may still be at large.
She stressed the importance of timely and credible intelligence in helping security agencies prevent attacks and respond effectively to threats within communities.
The spokesperson also urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious movements or activities to the police rather than attempting to confront suspected criminals themselves.
For the victims and residents of Ikot Itienang Village, the arrests represent an important development following the violence that disrupted the community in July.
However, the continuing investigation means the full details of what happened before, during and after the robbery are still being established by the authorities.
The police said they remain committed to ensuring that those found culpable are brought before the law.
The command further assured the people of Akwa Ibom that it would not relent in its efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state and prevent similar attacks from occurring.
As investigations continue, the police are expected to determine the extent of involvement of each suspect and establish whether more people were connected to the murder, kidnapping and robbery.
The command therefore appealed to residents with relevant information to come forward and assist investigators. According to the police, cooperation between residents and security agencies remains crucial to tracking fleeing suspects, recovering stolen property and strengthening security across communities.
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