Police Refute Alleged Abduction of students in Ikot Ekpene, Task Media Houses on Professionalism
Akwa Ibom State Police Command has described as incorrect the reports in the media that armed men raided a students’ lodge, abducted 15 students and carted away valuable properties in Ikot Ekpene.
In a statement issued in Uyo on Sunday, the Command, through DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), clarified that the incident was not an abduction by unknown gunmen and no student was abducted from the lodge.
According to the PPRO, the operation in question was a lawfully conducted exercise by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Office.
DSP John said when Police attention was drawn to it at about 0430 hrs, as a distress call alleging an armed robbery operation at Ikot Uboh Village, Ikot Ekpene, they swiftly mobilised and deployed a tactical team to the scene, cordoning off the area to engage the supposed threat.
She said upon Police arrival at the scene and subsequent professional enquiries, it was established that the operatives at the location were from the EFCC, conducting a due operation, adding that some persons were arrested by the EFCC during the operation and that it was not abduction as was alleged by the media reports.
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The PPRO said while the Police acknowledge the vital role of the press in society, it, however, urged journalists and media houses to cross-check facts with the Police Command before publishing stories of this nature, as inaccurate reporting is capable of causing unnecessary panic.
She stated, “The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has been drawn to misleading publications in the media that armed men raided students’ lodge, abducted 15 students and carted away valuable properties in Ikot Ekpene.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that the incident was not an abduction by unknown gunmen, and no student was abducted from the lodge.
“It is imperative to set the record straight and reassure the general public that the operation in question was a lawfully conducted exercise by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Office.
“For clarity, the command on October 24, 2025, at about 0430 hrs, received a distress call alleging an armed robbery operation at Ikot Uboh Village, Ikot Ekpene. In a swift response, our teams were mobilised and deployed tactically to the scene, cordoning off the area to engage the supposed threat.
Upon arrival at the scene and subsequent professional challenge by our officers, it was established that the operatives at the location were from the EFCC, conducting a sanctioned operation. Some persons were arrested by the EFCC during this operation and not abducted, as claimed by the media reports.
“While we acknowledge the vital role of the press in society, we urge journalists and media houses to cross-check facts with the Police Command before publishing stories of this nature, as inaccurate reporting is capable of causing unnecessary panic.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammad Azare FSI, has commended the officers involved for their professional conduct and restraint, which averted a potential ugly incident.
CP Azare also urges all law enforcement agencies to always notify and synergise with the Police as the lead security agency in the state when carrying out operations within our Area of Responsibility (AoR) to prevent such mix-ups.
“Our doors are always open to journalists and members of the public who seek to verify any security-related information.
“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in Akwa Ibom State,” she added.
