The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in its relentless efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment for residents of the state, has successfully foiled a major armed robbery operation, neutralising one suspect while recovering firearms and ammunition in Abak Local Government Area.
DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Akwa Ibom State Police Command, who announced this in a statement on Saturday, January 3, 2026, said the operation was carried out after credible intelligence.
“Acting on credible intelligence received on January 2, 2026, the Command was alerted that a notorious gang of armed robbers, responsible for a series of recent robberies targeting Point-of-Sale (POS) operators, petrol stations, and supermarkets within Abak LGA and its environs, was planning to rob one petrol station, located along Ikot Ekpene Road by Ikot Ekang Junction, Abak LGA.
According to the PPRO, “Upon receipt of this intelligence, police operatives were immediately mobilised and deployed to the location.
“At about 1947 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.
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She said 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,” adding that “A thorough combing of the area led to the recovery of the following items:
• Four (4) locally made guns
• Six (6) live cartridges
• One Samsung phone
• one ITEL phone
• One brown bag
• One wallet
• four ATMs
“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.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, 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 was done to any property around during the operation.
He further assures the public that an intensive manhunt is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
DSP John said the Command remains resolute in its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges 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,” she added.
