Police kill suspected kidnapper in Akwa Ibom, recover arms

Police in Akwa Ibom State have killed a suspected kidnapper, John Akpan, and recovered a firearm after an encounter with his criminal gang. This was according to a statement released on Monday in Uyo by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John. John said the police had been monitoring a group of kidnappers […]

Police in Akwa Ibom State have killed a suspected kidnapper, John Akpan, and recovered a firearm after an encounter with his criminal gang.

This was according to a statement released on Monday in Uyo by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John.

John said the police had been monitoring a group of kidnappers who had returned to Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. The police received intelligence reports on their activities.

“The gang, which had been terrorizing residents from 2020 to 2023, was also allegedly responsible for the kidnapping of a church founder in 2023. The suspects had been at large since that incident.

“On August 2 at approximately 4pm, the police received a report that the suspects were at a hideout in Ikot Umiang village, planning further kidnappings.

“A surveillance team was immediately dispatched to the location. Upon the team’s arrival, the criminals engaged them by firing shots. Fortunately, no police personnel was injured in the exchange.

“In a swift response, operatives neutralized one of the kidnappers, later identified as John Ubong Akpan, a 27-year-old male from Ikot Umiang village in Mkpat Enin LGA,” John said.

The PPRO said the suspect, who sustained bullet injuries, was rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead.

She added that other gang members fled the scene and that a locally made pistol, one live cartridge, and one expended cartridge were recovered from their hideout.

The police spokesperson said that the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, has directed intensified surveillance and patrols to apprehend the fleeing suspects.