Operatives of the Anti – Kidnapping Unit of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have smashed a kidnapping syndicate and neutralised the gang leader, in the ongoing offensive against criminal elements in the State.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP TImfon John, who disclosed this to Journalists on Monday at the Command’s headquarters in Uyo, said the operation followed a superior intelligence from the residents of Ikot Umiang Community in Mkpat Enin local government area of the state.
She identified the neutralised head of the criminal gang as a 27-year-old Ubong Akpan, 27.
The Police Spokesperson, who warned those in the habits of perpetrating crimes in the State to rethink their actions, warned that the State has no save haven for questionable characters.
She vowed that “there’s no place anywhere in the State that the long arms of the law can’t teach get them.”
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully neutralised a suspected notorious kidnapper and the recovery of firearms following an encounter with a criminal gang.
“Based on intelligence reports, the Police had been closely monitoring a group of kidnappers who had returned to the Mkpat Enin LGA.
“The gang, which had been terrorising residents from 2020 to 2023, was also allegedly responsible for the kidnap of a Church founder in 2023. The suspects had been at large since that incident.
“On August 2, 2025, at about 4 pm, the police received a report that the suspects were at a hideout in Ikot Umiang Village, planning further kidnappings.
“A surveillance team was immediately dispatched to the location. Upon the team’s arrival, the criminals engaged them by firing shots. Fortunately, no Police personnel was injured in the exchange.
“In a swift response, operatives neutralised one of the kidnappers, later identified as John Ubong Akpan, a 27-year-old from Ikot Umiang village. The other gang members fled the scene. A locally – made pistol, one live cartridge, and one expanded cartridge were recovered at the hideout.”
She explained that Akpan, who sustained bullet injuries, was taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead by medical doctor.
She disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Azare, has directed intensified surveillance and patrols to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
