In a decisive blow to criminality, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismantled a notorious kidnap gang terrorizing Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and neighboring areas. The operation, which unfolded on March 10, 2025, resulted in the death of one suspect, the arrest of four others, and the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and cash. Hailed as a major triumph, this crackdown signals the state’s unrelenting stance against crime, offering hope to residents plagued by a wave of abductions.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, detailed the operation in a statement on Monday, identifying the gang as the primary orchestrators of recent kidnappings in the region. Acting on credible intelligence, a joint tactical team raided multiple hideouts in Ikpe Annang, Ikpe Ikot Akpan, and Ikot Inyang within Essien Udim Local Government Area. What began as a strategic strike quickly escalated into a firefight when the suspects, spotting the approaching officers, opened fire in a desperate bid to flee. “The officers responded swiftly, engaging them in a gun duel,” John recounted. The intense exchange left all five suspects injured; they were apprehended and rushed to a hospital, where one succumbed to his wounds.
A subsequent search of the hideouts yielded a haul that underscored the gang’s firepower and resources. Security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle, a pump-action shotgun, and a locally made dane gun—arsenals that highlight the threat posed by the group. Beyond weaponry, the police seized an eclectic mix of items: a bag of crayfish, a tambourine, an electric power amplifier, a conga drum, three GSM button phones, and a substantial cash sum of ₦3,130,600. These findings paint a picture of a well-equipped and possibly entrenched criminal network, now significantly disrupted.
DSP John emphasized the Command’s commitment to purging Akwa Ibom of crime, declaring, “Akwa Ibom is no longer a safe haven for illegal activities.” The operation’s success drew praise from the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, who lauded the tactical team’s bravery and urged residents to remain vigilant. He also called for stronger public cooperation, stressing that community support is vital in the ongoing battle against criminal elements.
This breakthrough follows a string of police actions across Nigeria, including arrests in Rivers, Edo, and Kano, as reported in related news. For Akwa Ibom, the dismantling of this gang marks a pivotal moment, but the Police Command has vowed that its efforts will not relent. As investigations continue, residents are hopeful that this victory will pave the way for lasting peace and security in the state
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