Police bust armed robbery syndicate in Akwa Ibom, recover firearms

Akwa Ibom State Police command says its operatives have busted a notorious armed robbery syndicate terrorizing Midim community in Abak Local Government Area of the state.

Spokesperson of the command, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Thursday.

She said acting on credible intelligence in the early hours of Thursday, operatives of the command stormed the criminal hideout and arrested one suspect while two other gang members escaped into the nearby bush.

John said efforts were being made to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

She listed items recovered from the suspect to include: one locally made pistol, one small axe, one knife, charms suspected to be used for criminal fortification, six wraps of substance suspected to be Indian hemp,

Others were two button phones, three bottles of ice, three rings, one Airtel SIM card, and one multi-coloured handbag.

The statement said, “While on routine patrol at about 0300hrs, the command received reliable information regarding a notorious syndicate specializing in robbing unsuspecting motorcycle operators at gunpoint within Midim clan and its environs.

“Upon receipt of the intelligence, the operatives swiftly mobilized and stormed the criminal hideout in a coordinated operation. On sighting the police team, the suspects attempted to flee. However, one suspect identified as Uduak Vincent ‘M’, 28 years, a native of Ikot Ifang Village in Midim clan, Abak LGA, was successfully chased down and arrested.”

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, while reaffirming the command’s determination to rid the state of criminal elements, warned all violent offenders to either repent or be prepared to face decisive police action.