The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has neutralized a notorious kidnap gang responsible for terrorizing residents of Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and surrounding areas.
The operation, which took place last week, led to the recovery of a cache of firearms, ransom money, and other items linked to the criminal syndicate.
Acting on credible intelligence, a joint tactical team of the Command raided multiple hideouts in Ikpe Annang, Ikpe Ikot Akpan, and Ikot Inyang, all within Essien Udim Local Government Area.
Upon sighting the police operatives, the suspects opened fire in a bid to escape, prompting a fierce gun battle. The officers responded with precision, leaving all five suspects with varying degrees of injury. They were rushed to a hospital for treatment, where one of the suspects later died.
Items recovered from the gang include:
- One AK-47 rifle
- One G3 rifle
- One pump-action rifle
- One locally made Dane gun
- A bag of crayfish
- One tambourine
- An electric power amplifier
- One conga drum
- Three GSM button phones
- Cash sum of ₦3,130,600, believed to be ransom proceeds
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, praised the operatives for their bravery and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to eradicating crime in the state.
He issued a stern warning to criminals, declaring Akwa Ibom a no-go area for kidnappers, armed robbers, and other lawbreakers.
CP Azare also called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police promptly, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in maintaining security.
The Command has launched further investigations to track down other fleeing members of the gang and dismantle their network completely.
This successful operation marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of Akwa Ibom State. The police have reassured the public that they will continue to intensify efforts to protect lives and property across the state.
