In a determined effort to rid Akwa Ibom State of criminal activities, operatives of the State Police Command have successfully neutralized a notorious kidnap syndicate responsible for a series of high-profile abductions in Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and neighboring areas.
Acting on credible intelligence, a joint tactical team of the Command launched a coordinated operation at multiple criminal hideouts in Ikpe Annang, Ikpe Ikot Akpan, and Ikot Inyang within Essien Udim LGA. Upon arrival, the suspects opened fire in an attempt to escape but were swiftly engaged by the officers in a fierce gun duel.
Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Timfon John in a statement indicated that at the end of the operation, all five suspects sustained injuries and were immediately taken to the hospital for medical attention. One of them later succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Items recovered included, One AK-47 rifle, One G3 rifle, One pump-action rifle, One locally made Dane gun, A bag of crayfish, One tambourine and An electric power amplifier.
Others according to the statement are, One conga drum, three GSM button phones and ₦3,130,600 cash, suspected to be ransom proceeds
Investigations are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the gang.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating crime and warned that Akwa Ibom will remain a hostile ground for kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminal elements.
He commended the officers for their bravery and urged residents to stay vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and report any suspicious activities.
The Command assures the public of intensified efforts to ensure the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens in the state.