In a sustained effort to rid Akwa Ibom State of criminal elements, operatives of the Command have successfully neutralized members of a notorious kidnap syndicate responsible for a series of high-profile Kidnapping in Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and surrounding areas of the state.
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.
DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer Akwa Ibom State Command made the disclosure, Monday.
Read Also: Akwa Ibom Police Raid Cultist Hideout, Recover Pistol, Cartridges
She said 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.
According to the PPRO, following items were recovered from them:
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 and One conga drum.
Others include: Three GSM button phones, Cash sum of Three Million One Hundred and Thirty Thousand Six Hundred Naira (₦3,130,600), believed to be ransom proceeds
Read Also: CP Azare Engages Farmers, Fulani Herders, Cattle Dealers, Calls for Peaceful Coexistence in Akwa Ibom
She noted that further investigations is on going to arrest other fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare reiterated his firm stance against crime and criminality, warning that the state will remain a no-go area for kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminal elements.
He commended the operatives for their bravery and urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and report suspicious activities promptly.
Read Also: Akwa Ibom Police Command pass out 1,511 re-trainned Women Police Officers
The Command’s PPRO, DSP John assured that efforts will be intensified to ensure that Akwa Ibom State remains safe and secure for all law-abiding citizens.
