By Emem Julius
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested six suspected members and associates of an armed robbery gang allegedly terrorising residents of Ikono, Ini and Obot Akara Local Government Areas of the state.
The suspects were arrested in the early hours of Wednesday during a coordinated clearance operation by operatives of the command’s tactical team at identified criminal hideouts across the three local government areas.
The police said the operation followed sustained intelligence gathering aimed at dismantling the remaining members of a criminal network allegedly responsible for a series of armed robberies and motorcycle thefts in the area.
In a statement issued in Uyo on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, identified 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 is from Ikot Inyang Village, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area; Udo, from Nung Ukim Ikot Okorie Village, Ikono LGA; while Igwe, from Mbiabong Ukan Ikot Etefia Village, was allegedly involved in producing fake receipts used in the sale of suspected stolen motorcycles.
Essiet, of Ikot Akpan Ntim Village, Ikono LGA, was alleged to be a native doctor who provided charms and other fetish materials to members of the gang.
The police said Udo, of Itak Ikot Akpandem Village, Ikono LGA, was also arrested, while Akang, of Asanting Village, was allegedly found in possession of a suspected stolen red Qlink motorcycle with registration number AUQ 73 VC.
The statement read, “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.”
The police said two single-barrel shotguns, three laptops, a suspected stolen motorcycle, local charms and other fetish items recovered from the shrine of the suspected native doctor were among the items recovered during the operation.
The PPRO added that other materials relevant to the ongoing investigation were also recovered.
“During the operation, six suspects were apprehended, including a suspected native doctor alleged to have been providing charms and other fetish preparations for members of the gang, as well as another suspect alleged to specialise in producing fake receipts used to facilitate the disposal and sale of suspected stolen motorcycles and other items,” John said.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives for their courage and professionalism.
Azare directed that the investigation be intensified to establish the individual roles of the suspects, recover more stolen property and arrest other fleeing members of the alleged gang.
The CP reiterated that the command would continue to adopt proactive and intelligence-driven strategies to deny criminals safe havens in the state.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to deny criminals safe havens and dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
“The command will continue to adopt proactive and intelligence-driven strategies to identify criminal elements, disrupt their operational networks and bring perpetrators to justice,” he said.
