The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has arrested seven suspected armed robbers and recovered weapons after raiding a shrine allegedly used by the gang for fortification before their operations.
In a statement issued in Uyo on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said the operation was carried out in the early hours of August 8, 2025, at Ikot Osong village, Obot Akara Local Government Area.
Those apprehended were identified as David Effiong Silas, 29; Etido Udo Lazarus, 26; Etimbuk Thursday Udofia, 25; Ime Effiong Silas, also known as “Udo Doctor,” 27; Joseph John Nelson, 31; Nduese Solomon John, 32; and Imo Effiong Udofia, 22.
According to DSP John, the raid followed weeks of intelligence gathering, which began after one of the gang leaders was neutralised during a foiled robbery, and the arrest of the overall leader in his hideout in Imo State.
“The confession of the arrested gang leader provided vital intelligence that led our operatives to their operational base in Ikot Osong,” she said. “This location doubled as a shrine where members allegedly received native protection before embarking on criminal activities.”
John said the 2:30 a.m. operation led to the dismantling of a network that had been terrorising residents of Ikot Ekpene and surrounding communities.
Recovered items included a locally made cut-to-size double-barrel gun, two expended cartridges, one live cartridge, one live 7.62mm AK-47 round, five motorcycles, one bicycle, three face masks, two power banks, several mobile phones, a police-crested cap, an army camouflage cap, as well as charms and a liquid substance believed to be used for ritual fortification.
She added that investigations were ongoing to track down fleeing members and recover more stolen property.
“This is a major breakthrough in our fight against violent crime. We remain committed to protecting the lives and property of residents, and we will continue to go after criminal elements wherever they hide,” John stated.
