By Patrick Titus, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has foiled a major armed robbery operation, neutralizing one suspect and recovering firearms, and ammunition on Friday in Abak Local Government area of the state.
The police made the breakthrough following a swift action on a credible intelligence received by the Command that a notorious gang of armed robbers were planning to rob a petrol station in the area.
DSP Timfon John, the Command Public Relations Officer stated in a statement that the notorious gang was responsible for a series of recent robberies targeting Point-of-Sale (POS) operators, petrol stations, and supermarkets within Abak LGA and its environs.
Police operatives who were mobilized to the area, engaged the armed robbers numbering six, in a gun duel as they arrived at the area and attempted to rob the pump attendants at about 19:47 hours of the day.
The ensuing gun battle left one of the suspected robbers dead while others fled with multiple bullet wounds, DSP John stated.
The press statement read in part, “upon receipt of this intelligence, police operatives were immediately mobilised and deployed to the location.
“At about 19:47 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.”
According to the release, a thorough combing of the area led to the recovery of four (4) locally made guns, six (6) live cartridges, one Samsung phone, one Itel phone, one brown bag and one wallet as well as four ATM cards.
“The body of the neutralised suspect, who is yet to be identified, was found with charms tied to it. The corpse has since been evacuated and deposited at a mortuary,” Timfon further explained.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, in the State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, 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.
CP Azare He assured the public that an intensive manhunt was ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
He said the Command remains resolute in its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urged 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.
