The Anti-Robbery operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have busted an armed robbery gang specialising in car theft and other crimes, arresting five suspects in the process.
Spokesperson of the Command, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this to Journalists in Uyo, said the operation led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and a cache of incriminating items including military camouflage.
DSP John said the breakthrough followed an intensive investigation initiated after the recovery of a stolen vehicle on July 27, 2025.
“Coming on the heels of discreet investigations, operatives arrested additional members of the syndicate, following leads provided by one Otoabasi George Ime, a 42 years old man from Use Abat Village in Ibiono Ibom LGA, who had previously been arrested in possession of a stolen vehicle, which sparked the wider investigation,” she explained.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) named the suspects as Uwem Okon Umoh, the syndicate’s key fabricator; Umoh Joseph Essien, the group’s mechanic; Ukpong Jeremiah Udo, the syndicate’s electrician.
Others included Uchenna Peter Ihekandu, the suspected buyer of stolen vehicles and Peter Madu Abuchi said to be responsible for money transfers within the syndicate.
Nine different car numbers plates, four yards of army camouflage fabric and two face caps, FRSC reflective jacket and face cap, as well as a file jacket containing various vehicle particulars were also recovered from the suspects.
Also, the PPRO disclosed that the Command’s operatives arrested a suspected ritualist and recovered a firearm at Uruan LGA after raiding a shrine.
“At approximately 18:51 hours, operatives acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Cletus Effiong Bassey, a 30-year-old at his shrine in Nung Oku Village, Uruan LGA.
“Bassey is suspected of being involved in ritualistic activities, including providing native charms and bullet repellers to armed robbers.
“A subsequent search of his compound led to the recovery of one fabricated single-barrel gun,” she disclosed.
The police spokesperson added that investigation into these incidents were still ongoing.
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