UYO-The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested six suspected members and associates of an armed robbery gang operating within Ikono, Ini and Obot Akara Local Government Areas of the state
The suspects are: Peter Sabbath, male, 34 years, native of Ikot Inyang Village, Ikot Ekpene ;Joseph Udo, male, 25 years, native of Nung Ukim Ikot Okorie Village, Ikono ;Victor Igwe, male, 23 years, native of Mbiabong Ukan Ikot Etefia Village, Ikono ; Boniface Essiet, male, 37 years, of Ikot Akpan Ntim Village, Ikono;Simeon Udo, male, 47 years, of Itak Ikot Akpandem Village, Ikono, and Uko Akang, male, of Asanting Village.
Igwe is alleged to specialize in the production of fake receipts used to facilitate the sale of suspected stolen motorcycles while Essiet, is alleged to be a native doctor ,providing charms and other fetish materials to members of the gang.
Akang, was apprehended in possession of a suspected stolen red Qlink motorcycle, with registration number AUQ 73 VC
The Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John in press release signed by her , said the suspects were arrested in the early hours of today during a coordinated clearance operation conducted by Police operatives in identified criminal hideouts within the three Local Government Areas
“The operation, which was led by the officer in charge of the tactical team, followed sustained intelligence gathering and operational efforts aimed at dismantling the remaining members and associates of the criminal network responsible for a series of criminal activities, particularly the theft and disposal of motorcycles and other valuable items.
“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,” the statement said
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, has commended the operatives for their courage, professionalism and sustained commitment to intelligence-led policing.
He directed that the investigation be intensified with a view to establishing the suspects’ individual roles, recovering additional stolen property and apprehending other members or collaborators of the criminal network who may still be at large.
The Commissioner further reiterated that the Command will continue to adopt proactive and intelligence-driven strategies to identify criminal elements, disrupt their operational networks and bring perpetrators to justice.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to deny criminals safe havens and dismantle criminal networks operating within the State,” he added.
Items recovered during the operation include: two single-barrel shot guns, three laptops, one suspected stolen motorcycle, local charms and other fetish items recovered from the shrine of the suspected native doctor as well as other materials relevant to the ongoing investigation.