Police nab six robbery suspects, seize weapons in Akwa Ibom

The police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested six people linked to an armed robbery gang that has been troubling residents of Ikono, Ini, and Obot Akara Local Government Areas.

The arrests happened in the early hours of Wednesday during a special operation by the police tactical team. They targeted known criminal hideouts across the three local government areas.

The police said this operation was based on careful intelligence gathering. They aimed to break down the remaining members of a gang said to be behind a series of armed robberies and motorcycle thefts in the area.

In a statement released in Uyo on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, named the suspects as Peter Sabbath, 34; Joseph Udo, 25; Victor Igwe, 23; Boniface Essiet, 37; Simeon Udo, 47; and Uko Akang.

According to the statement, Sabbath hails from Ikot Inyang Village, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. Udo comes from Nung Ukim Ikot Okorie Village in Ikono LGA. Igwe, from Mbiabong Ukan Ikot Etefia Village, was reportedly involved in making fake receipts for selling suspected stolen motorcycles.

Essiet, from Ikot Akpan Ntim Village in Ikono LGA, is said to be a native doctor who provided charms and other items to the gang. Udo, from Itak Ikot Akpandem Village in Ikono LGA, was also arrested. Akang, from Asanting Village, was reportedly found with a suspected stolen red Qlink motorcycle with registration number AUQ 73 VC.

The statement said, "The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its ongoing intelligence-led operations against armed robbery and other violent crimes with the arrest of six suspected members and associates of an armed robbery gang operating within Ikono, Ini, and Obot Akara Local Government Areas of the state."

During the operation, police recovered two single-barrel shotguns, three laptops, a suspected stolen motorcycle, local charms, and other items from the shrine of the suspected native doctor.

The PPRO added that they also seized other materials that are important for the ongoing investigation. "During the operation, six suspects were caught, including a suspected native doctor who allegedly provided charms and other materials for gang members, as well as another suspect who made fake receipts to help sell stolen motorcycles and other items," John said.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, praised the police for their bravery and professionalism. He ordered that the investigation be stepped up to find out each suspect's role, recover more stolen goods, and catch other members of the gang who are still on the run.

The CP assured that the police would keep using smart and proactive methods to ensure criminals do not find safe places to operate in the state. "The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains determined to deny criminals safe havens and break down criminal networks operating within the state."

"The command will continue to use proactive and intelligence-driven strategies to identify criminals, disrupt their activities, and ensure that those responsible face justice," he said.