Police Neutralise Armed Robber, Recover Firearms in A'Ibom

 

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has foiled a planned armed robbery operation in Abak Local Government Area, neutralising one suspected robber and recovering firearms and other items during a late-evening operation.

According to the police, the operation followed credible intelligence received on January 2, 2026, indicating that a notorious armed robbery gang was planning to attack a petrol station along Ikot Ekpene Road by Ikot Ekang Junction in Abak.

 The gang was reportedly linked to a series of robberies targeting Point-of-Sale operators, petrol stations, and supermarkets within Abak and neighbouring communities.

Police operatives were immediately deployed to the location. At about 7:47 p.m., the suspects, numbering about six, reportedly arrived at the area and attempted to rob the pump attendants. On sighting the police team, the suspects opened fire, leading to a gun duel.

During the exchange, one of the suspects was fatally wounded, while the remaining members of the gang fled into a nearby bush and escaped on motorcycles. Police said some of the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot injuries.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of four locally made firearms, six live cartridges, two mobile phones, a brown bag, a wallet, and four Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards. The body of the neutralised suspect, who has yet to be identified, was found with charms tied to it and has been deposited at a mortuary.

Commending the officers involved, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, praised their bravery, swift response, and professionalism, noting that the operation prevented the robbery and ensured that no innocent life was lost and no property damaged.

The police command disclosed that an intensive manhunt is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information.

Members of the public, especially medical practitioners, were also advised to report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds under suspicious circumstances, assuring that all information would be treated with strict confidentiality.