The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that armed men invaded a students’ lodge in Ikot Ekpene, carted away valuables, and kidnapped 15 students, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement released on Sunday, the 26th of October, 2025, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, clarified that the supposed abduction was actually a legitimate operation carried out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Office.
She said, “The Command wishes to categorically state that the incident was not an abduction by unknown gunmen and no student was abducted from the lodge.”
Providing further details, John explained, “For clarity, the Command on October 24, 2025, at about 0430hrs, received a distress call alleging an armed robbery operation at Ikot Uboh Village, Ikot Ekpene.
“In a swift response, our teams were mobilized and deployed tactically to the scene, cordoning off the area to engage the supposed threat.
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“Upon arrival at the scene and subsequent professional challenge by our officers, it was established that the operatives at the location were from the EFCC, conducting a sanctioned operation. Some persons were arrested by the EFCC during this operation and not abducted as claimed by the media reports.”**
The police spokesperson emphasized the importance of responsible journalism, urging reporters and media outlets to always verify information with the Command before making such sensitive reports public.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammad Azare, praised the officers for their professionalism and composure, which prevented a potential crisis during the encounter.
Azare also called on other security agencies to keep the police informed and maintain collaboration during operations within the state to avoid similar misunderstandings in the future.