Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have apprehended seven suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms following a raid on a shrine in Ikot Osong village, Obot Akara LGA, believed to be used by the gang for spiritual fortification before criminal operations.
Police spokesperson DSP Timfon John disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Uyo, the state capital.
The arrested suspects are David Effiong Silas (29), Etido Udo Lazarus (26), Etimbuk Thursday Udofia (25), Ime Effiong Silas a.k.a. “Udo Doctor” (27), Joseph John Nelson (31), Nduese Solomon John (32), and Imo Effiong Udofia (22).
According to John, the operation marks a significant breakthrough in tackling violent crime. It followed the neutralisation of a key gang member during a failed robbery and the subsequent arrest of the overall gang leader at his hideout in Imo State.
According to her, the gang leader’s confession provided critical intelligence that led operatives to the group’s operational base in Ikot Osong, which also served as a shrine where members allegedly received native protection before carrying out their crimes.
“At about 2:30am on August 8, 2025, a team of operatives launched a raid on the syndicate’s hideout.
“The operation led to the arrest of seven suspects and the dismantling of a notorious armed robbery network that has been terrorising residents of Ikot Ekpene and its environs,” she said.
Recovered items from the scene include a locally fabricated cut-to-size double-barrel gun, two expended cartridges, one live cartridge, a live 7.62mm AK-47 round, five motorcycles, one bicycle, three face masks, two power banks, several mobile phones, a police-branded cap, an army camouflage cap, charms, and a liquid substance suspected to be used for spiritual fortification.
The Police Public Relations Officer stated that investigations are ongoing to recover additional stolen property and arrest other fleeing members of the gang. She reaffirmed the command’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
