The Akwa Ibom State Police Command announced it has conducted a raid on a criminal hideout in Ikot Osong village, located in the Obot Akara Local Government Area, and has apprehended seven suspects allegedly responsible for threatening the safety of Ikot Ekpene and nearby areas. According to a statement from DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, this hideout was being used by the suspects as a place to empower themselves before carrying out their crimes. The raid followed the neutralization of one robber during a failed robbery attempt and the capture of the gang’s leader, who was hiding in Imo State. The leader’s confession yielded crucial details that helped police locate the suspects’ base of operations. Part of the statement noted, “In a significant effort to combat criminal activity, we have successfully dismantled a well-known armed robbery gang that has been endangering the residents of Ikot Ekpene and surrounding areas.” The action that resulted in the apprehension of seven individuals is part of continuous initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime in the area. “Around 2:30 AM on August 8, 2025, a group of agents executed a raid on the syndicate’s location in Ikot Osong village, within the Obot Akara Local Government Area. This site also acted as a sanctuary where the suspects allegedly prepare themselves prior to their activities. The spokesperson named the suspects as follows: David Effiong Silas, also known as “Davido” (29, male), Etido Udo Lazarus (26, male), Etimbuk Thursday Udofia (25, female), Ime Effiong Silas, also known as “Udo Doctor” (27, male), Joseph John Nelson (31, male), Nduese Solomon John (32, male), and Imo Effiong Udofia (22, male). The operation resulted in the recovery of several items, including a locally manufactured double-barrel gun, two spent cartridges, a live cartridge, one live round of 7.62 mm AK-47 ammunition, five motorcycles, one bicycle, three face masks, two power banks, several mobile phones, a police-branded cap, an army camouflage cap, suspected charms, and a liquid substance used for traditional protection. John stated that the investigation is ongoing to retrieve additional stolen items and to capture other members of the crime group who are still at large.
