Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have successfully dismantled a notorious kidnap gang that had been terrorizing the Ikot Ekpene and Essien Udim communities.
In a statement released on Sunday, March 9, 2025, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, revealed that during a gun battle, one suspect was killed, four others were arrested, and several weapons, along with N3.1 million in suspected ransom proceeds, were seized.
The police operation targeted a known criminal syndicate responsible for several high-profile kidnappings across the Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and surrounding areas. Acting on reliable intelligence, a joint tactical team raided multiple hideouts in Ikpe Annang, Ikpe Ikot Akpan, and Ikot Inyang in Essien Udim LGA.
When the suspects spotted the police, they opened fire in an attempt to escape. The officers responded swiftly, resulting in a gunfight. At the end of the operation, all five suspects were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment. One of them later died from the injuries.
Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle, a pump-action rifle, a locally made Dane gun, a bag of crayfish, a tambourine, an electric amplifier, a conga drum, three GSM phones, and a total of N3,130,600, believed to be ransom money.
Ongoing investigations are focusing on apprehending other suspects who managed to flee.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed his commitment to fighting crime in the state, vowing that Akwa Ibom would remain a hostile environment for kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminals. He also praised the officers for their bravery and urged the public to stay vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities promptly.