Akwa Ibom State Police Command apprehended members of the notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in some parts of the state.
DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, announced this in a release on Monday, alleging the gang was behind the majority of kidnappings in Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and environs.
“Acting on credible intelligence, a joint tactical team stormed multiple criminal hideouts at Ikpe Annang, Ikpe Ikot Akpan, and Ikot Inyang in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
“On sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire in a desperate attempt to evade arrest.
“The officers responded swiftly, engaging them in a gun duel. At the end of the operation, all five suspects sustained injuries and were taken to hospital. One later died while receiving treatment,” John said.
According to her, the police also seized one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, one pump-action shotgun, and one locally made dane pistol from the accused.
The other items discovered were a bag of crayfish, a tambourine, an electric power amplifier, a conga drum, three GSM button phones, and N3,130,600 in cash.
The police image maker called on the criminals to stay off the state, stating that Akwa Ibom is no longer a haven for criminality. The Police Commissioner of the state, Baba Azare, commended the agents for courage and urged the people to remain vigilant, support the security agencies, and report suspicious activities.
