By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing war against violent crime with the dismantling of an armed robbery syndicate operating in Ikot Ekpene and neighbouring local government areas.
The operation, carried out by police operatives on Saturday, February 8, 2026, followed credible intelligence that led to a swift raid on the gang’s hideout at Ikot Otu Village in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
According to a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, one of the suspects, identified as Elijah Akpan, 48, was arrested during the operation at about 8:30 a.m. A search conducted on him led to the recovery of four expended cartridges and two Special Protection Unit (SPU) police badges, raising strong suspicion of criminal impersonation and attempts to pose as law enforcement personnel while carrying out criminal activities.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of another suspect, Nsikak Udo, 32, also of Ikot Otu Village, who was identified as the custodian of the firearm allegedly used by the syndicate.
Items recovered from the suspects include one single-barrel gun, eight expended cartridges, three small containers containing gunpowder, and other materials believed to be used for the illegal reloading of cartridges.
The Police Command described the illegal possession of police badges and locally reloaded ammunition as a grave threat to public safety, noting that the syndicate intended to deceive and intimidate residents while perpetrating violent crimes.
Both suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations have been intensified to dismantle the entire criminal network, trace the source of the firearm and ammunition, and arrest other members of the gang who are still at large.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring that Akwa Ibom State does not provide a safe haven for criminal elements. He warned that intelligence-driven operations and targeted raids would continue across the state.
The Police Command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.
The Evangelist News
