Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have busted a notorious kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate, neutralising one member of the gang while five others who sustained varying degrees of injuries were arrested.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Timfon John on disclosed Monday that the gang was responsible for series of high-profile kidnapping in Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim local government areas and the surrounding locations in the State.
She said, “Acting on credible intelligence, a joint tactical team of the Command stormed multiple criminal hideouts at Ikpe Annang, Ikpe Ikot Akpan, and Ikot Inyang in Essien Udim LGA. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire in a desperate bid to evade arrest.
“The gallant officers responded decisively, engaging them in a gun duel. At the end of the operation, all the five suspects sustained various degrees of injuries and were taken to hospital for medical treatment where one of them died while receiving treatment.”
ASP John added that items recovered from the suspects include 1 AK-47 rifle, 1 G3 rifle, 1 pump-action rifle, 1 locally made dane gun, bag of crayfish and 1 tambourine.
Others include an electric power amplifier, one conga drum, three GSM button phones and cash sum of N3,130,600, believed to be ransom proceeds.
The Commissioner of Police (CP), Akwa Ibom Command, Baba Azare reiterated his firm stance against crime and criminality, warning that the State would remain a no-go area for kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminal elements.
The CP also commended the operatives for their bravery and urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and report suspicious activities promptly.
“The Command assures the public that efforts will be intensified to ensure that Akwa Ibom State remains safe and secure for all law-abiding citizens,” the PPRO stressed.
