The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismantled a notorious kidnap syndicate operating in Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and nearby areas, recovering firearms and cash suspected to be ransom proceeds.
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According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, operatives of the command acted on credible intelligence and raided criminal hideouts in Ikpe Annang, Ikpe Ikot Akpan, and Ikot Inyang in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
The suspects engaged the officers in a gun battle but were overpowered. Five suspects sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital, where one later died.
Recovered items include an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle, a pump-action rifle, a locally made Dane gun, and cash amounting to N3,130,600. Other seized items include a bag of crayfish, a tambourine, an electric power amplifier, a conga drum, three GSM button phones, and other valuables.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling crime, warning criminals to steer clear of the state. He commended the operatives for their bravery and urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
