Security operatives in Akwa Ibom have successfully taken down a notorious kidnapping syndicate responsible for a series of abductions in Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and nearby areas.
The operation, which led to the death of one suspect and the arrest of four others, also resulted in the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and a large sum of cash.
Authorities have described the crackdown as a major success in the ongoing fight against violent crime in the state.
Confirming the development on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, stated that a coordinated tactical team launched an offensive on multiple hideouts in Ikpe Annang, Ikpe Ikot Akpan, and Ikot Inyang within Essien Udim Local Government Area.
“Acting on credible intelligence, security forces raided these locations, which had been identified as strongholds of the criminal network,” John said.
As the operatives approached, the suspects, in a desperate bid to evade capture, engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
“Upon sighting the officers, the gang members opened fire, but our men responded with superior firepower, leading to the eventual neutralization of one suspect,” John added.
READ ALSO: IGP Deploys Intelligence Team for Safe Rescue of Afenifere Youth Leader
Following the intense shootout, all five suspects sustained injuries and were apprehended. They were immediately taken to a hospital, where one was confirmed dead.
A search of the criminals’ hideouts yielded a cache of weapons, including:
One AK-47 rifle
One G3 rifle
One pump-action shotgun
One locally made dane gun
Additionally, security forces recovered ₦3,130,600 in cash, along with other items, including a tambourine, an electric power amplifier, a conga drum, and three GSM button phones.
Reaffirming the force’s commitment to combating crime, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, praised the officers for their bravery and assured residents that operations to flush out criminal elements would continue.
“Akwa Ibom is no longer a safe zone for criminal activities. We urge the public to remain vigilant and support law enforcement in the ongoing fight against insecurity,” he said.
Authorities have also called on residents to provide timely information that could aid in further dismantling criminal networks across the state.