By Solomon OKPO
UYO, The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismantled a suspected notorious armed robbery syndicate believed to have been terrorising residents of Ikot Ekpene and surrounding communities, arresting seven suspects and recovering weapons, stolen property, and charms in a coordinated raid.
According to a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the breakthrough followed weeks of intelligence-led operations that began with the neutralisation of one gang leader during a foiled robbery attempt and the subsequent arrest of the overall gang leader in hiding in Imo State. The suspect’s confession reportedly led operatives to the group’s operational base.
At about 2:30 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025, police operatives stormed the syndicate’s hideout in Ikot Osong village, Obot Akara Local Government Area, which also doubled as a shrine allegedly used for spiritual fortification before criminal operations.
The arrested suspects include:
David Effiong Silas, aka “Davido” (29)
Etido Udo Lazarus (26)
Etimbuk Thursday Udofia (25, female)
Ime Effiong Silas, aka “Udo Doctor” (27)
Joseph John Nelson (31)
Nduese Solomon John (32)
Imo Effiong Udofia (22)
Items recovered from the scene include a locally made cut-to-size double-barrel gun, ammunition, five motorcycles, a bicycle, face masks, mobile phones, power banks, a police-crested cap, an army camouflage cap, suspected charms, and a liquid substance believed to be used for native protection.
DSP John said investigations are ongoing to recover more stolen property and apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate, assuring the public that the police remain committed to stamping out violent crime in Akwa Ibom State.
