Residents of Akwa Ibom were left stunned after police operatives reportedly stormed a suspected criminal hideout in a dramatic overnight operation, busting an alleged armed robbery syndicate accused of terrorizing innocent residents in the Midim community of Abak Local Government Area.
The daring operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, reportedly led to the arrest of one suspected gang member, while two others escaped into a nearby bush to evade capture.
According to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, the gang had allegedly been operating within Midim clan and surrounding areas, targeting unsuspecting motorcycle riders and robbing them at gunpoint.
The spokesperson of the command, DSP Timfon John, disclosed that police operatives acted swiftly after receiving credible intelligence about the movement and hideout of the suspected criminals.
Reports revealed that officers launched a coordinated raid on the location at about 3:00 a.m., catching the suspects off guard. However, upon noticing the presence of security operatives, members of the gang allegedly attempted a dramatic escape.
In the heat of the chase, police successfully apprehended one suspect identified as Uduak Vincent, a 28-year-old indigene of Ikot Ifang Village in Midim clan, while efforts are currently ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The arrest reportedly uncovered a disturbing cache of items believed to be connected to the gang’s criminal activities. Among the items recovered were a locally fabricated pistol, a knife, a small axe, suspected protective charms, and substances believed to be Indian hemp.
Security operatives also reportedly recovered several personal belongings and suspicious items, including mobile phones, bottles of alcoholic drinks, rings, an Airtel SIM card, and a multi-coloured handbag — raising fresh questions about the gang’s operations and possible victims.
Police authorities reiterated that investigations are ongoing and vowed not to relent in the crackdown against criminal gangs disturbing the peace of communities across the state.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, issued a stern warning to criminals, declaring that violent offenders must either abandon crime or prepare to face the full force of the law as the command intensifies efforts to flush out criminal elements from Akwa Ibom communities.
Leave a Reply