The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully raided an armed robbers' hideout in Ikot Osong village, Obot Akara Local Government Area, arresting seven suspected members of the gang. The operation, conducted at approximately 2:30 am on August 8, 2025, was a result of ongoing efforts to curb violent crime in the region ¹.
Details of the Arrests
The suspects arrested include ¹ ²:
- *David Effiong Silas*, 29, alias "Davido"
- *Etido Udo Lazarus*, 26
- *Etimbuk Thursday Udofia*, 25, a female suspect
- *Ime Effiong Silas*, 27, alias "Udo Doctor"
- *Joseph John Nelson*, 31
- *Nduese Solomon John*, 32
- *Imo Effiong Udofia*, 22
Recovered Items
During the operation, the police recovered several incriminating items, including ¹ ²:
- *Firearms*: One locally made, cut-to-size double-barrel gun, two expanded cartridges, one live cartridge, and one live 7.62 mm AK-47 ammunition
- *Vehicles*: Five motorcycles and one bicycle
- *Other Items*: Three face masks, two power banks, multiple mobile phones, a police-crested cap, an army camouflage cap, suspected charms, and a liquid substance used for native protection
Investigation and Next Steps
The police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, stated that the operation was initiated following the neutralization of one of the robbers during a foiled robbery attempt and the subsequent apprehension of the gang leader in Imo State. The gang leader's confession provided critical information that led police operatives to the suspects' operational base. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts being made to recover more stolen items and apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large ¹.
