Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have dismantled a suspected armed robbery syndicate accused of terrorising residents and commercial motorcyclists in Midim community, Abak Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Thursday, saying the operation followed credible intelligence gathered by the police.
According to her, operatives stormed the gang’s hideout in the early hours of Thursday, leading to the arrest of one suspect, while two others escaped into a nearby bush.
The arrested suspect was identified as 28-year-old Uduak Vincent, said to be a native of Ikot Ifang Village in Midim clan, Abak LGA.
John explained that the syndicate specialised in attacking unsuspecting motorcycle operators at gunpoint within the community and surrounding areas.
She said, “While on routine patrol at about 3am, the command received reliable information regarding a notorious syndicate specialising in robbing unsuspecting motorcycle operators at gunpoint within Midim clan and its environs.”
“Upon receipt of the intelligence, the operatives swiftly mobilised and stormed the criminal hideout in a coordinated operation.
On sighting the police team, the suspects attempted to flee. However, one suspect was successfully apprehended,” the statement added.
Items reportedly recovered from the suspect included a locally made pistol, axe, knife, charms, six wraps of substance suspected to be Indian hemp, mobile phones, bottles of an alcoholic drink, rings, a SIM card and a handbag.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes and warned criminal elements to abandon unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law.