Akwa Ibom: Police foil armed robbery attack, neutralise one suspect

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says its operatives on January 2, 2026, foiled an armed robbery attack on a petrol station located along Ikot Ekpene Road by Ikot Ekang Junction, Abak Local Government Area of the state, and recovered firearms.

The command added that the operatives neutralised one of the suspects during a gun battle, while the remaining five suspects escaped with bullet wounds.
The Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Saturday, said the command acted on credible intelligence.

According to her, “At about 1947 hours, the criminal gang, numbering approximately six 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 that some of the fleeing suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries.

“A thorough combing of the area led to the recovery of the following items: four locally made guns, six live cartridges, one Samsung phone, one Itel phone, one brown bag, one wallet, and four ATM cards.”
She said the body of the neutralised suspect, yet to be identified, was found with charms tied to it, and the corpse has since been evacuated and deposited at a mortuary.
John stated that the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, 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 property was damaged during the operation.

She further assured the public that an intensive manhunt is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
“Members of the public, particularly medical practitioners, are encouraged to report any individual seeking treatment for gunshot wounds under suspicious circumstances. All information provided will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” the statement added.