Police Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Armed Robbers, Others in A’Ibom

Okon Bassey in Uyo

No fewer than 17 suspected criminals have been arrested in nine operations carried out by security operatives in Akwa Ibom State.

Some of the suspects were reportedly arrested in kidnap operations, armed robbery, possession of fire arms, vandalism, cultism, child theft among other crimes.  The state Commissioner of Police, Joseph O. Eribo, who disclosed this yesterday at a press briefing, said while one was killed during an encounter others, who escape, were being trailed by the police from the state Police Command.

He said: “Operatives of the Command, while on patrol on Ikot Ekpene/Uyo highway, received a distress call from a woman (name withheld) reporting that some armed men were attempting to kidnap her husband.

“Acting swiftly on the information received, operatives of the Command rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, the armed assailants opened fire in a bid to escape, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the police and the hoodlums. During the gun duel, one suspect was neutralized, while others fled the scene on a motorcycle.

“The following items were recovered from the scene one cut-to-size AK-47 rifle, four rounds of ammunition, one empty shell, one bag containing substances suspected to be charms, and one business card bearing the name of a certain individual.”

In another encounter, the state police commissioner equally said based on credible information at the Command’s disposal, operatives stormed a gun-making factory where firearms of various makes were fabricated and sold to criminals. “During the operation, one David Nse Emmanuel was arrested, while his father, Akpan Nse Emmanuel, and his brothers, who jointly run the business, fled,” while some items were recovered.

The police commissioner also said “Information at the Command’s disposal led to the recovery of a black Toyota Corolla car with registration number ETN 674AA, suspected to have been stolen.”

He said: “Acting swiftly , operatives of the Command arrested one Kingsley Ernest Nelson, 38. Investigations revealed that the suspect had been previously charged to court twice and remanded for similar offences.

“He confessed to starting his car-stealing operations in 2017, collaborating with partners based in Rivers State. The following items were recovered: one Toyota Sienna car with registration number DUU 692NZ; one Toyota Rav4 SUV with registration number ETN 676AA (white); Master keys used to unlock vehicles forcefully, and six fake car documents.”

The state police boss further explained that the five children were also rescued unhurt and reunited with their parents. The motorcycle used by the suspect in committing the crime was also recovered.

Eribo assured all citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom State that the Command will continue to intensify its efforts against crime and stand firm in its duty to protect lives and property.

Those successes, he said reflected the dedication of officers and men of the Command, and commitment to proactive policing, collaboration with sister security agencies, and community engagement.

“Akwa Ibom remains one of the safest states in the country, and we are determined to ensure it stays that way,” the police commissioner noted.