…recover arms, other items
By Ime Silas
Men of the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Police Force in their relentless efforts toward ensuring a safe and secure environment for residents of the state, have successfully foiled a major armed robbery operation, killing one suspect, while recovering firearms and ammunition in Abak Local Government Area.
Disclosing the development in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP Timfon John, the police hinted that the intervention of its men successfully foiled a well planned robbery attack which targeted strategic outlets within Abak and environs.
“Acting on credible intelligence received on January 2, 2026, the Command was alerted that a notorious gang of armed robbers, responsible for a series of recent robberies targeting Point-of-Sale (POS) operators, petrol stations, and supermarkets within Abak LGA and its environs, was planning to rob one Petrol Station, located along Ikot Ekpene Road by Ikot Ekang Junction, Abak LGA”, the statement revealed.
The release continued: “Upon receipt of this intelligence, police operatives were immediately mobilized and deployed to the location.
At about 1947 hours, the criminal gang, numbering approximately six (6) armed men, arrived at the area and attempted to rob the pump attendants. Upon sighting the police team, a gun duel ensued.
“During the exchange of fire, one of the armed robbers was fatally wounded, while the remaining members of the gang fled the scene, running into a nearby bush and escaping via motorcycles. Information at our disposal suggests some of the fleeing suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries”.
The statement further added that during thorough combing of the area, the following items were recovered:
“Four (4) locally made guns, Six (6) live cartridges, One Samsung phone, one ITEL phone, One brown bag, One wallet and four ATM cards”.
The police added that the unalived body of the yet to be identified suspect was found with charms tied to it. The statement said that the corpse has since been evacuated and deposited at a mortuary.
“The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has commended the officers involved for their bravery, swift response, and professionalism, which prevented the robbery and ensured that no innocent life was lost and no damage to any property around during the operation. He further assures the public that an intensive manhunt is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
The Command remains resolute in its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges residents to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information.
“Members of the public, particularly medical practitioners, are encouraged to report any individual coming for treatment of gunshot wounds under suspicious circumstances. All information provided will be treated with utmost confidentiality”, the release concluded.
