Akwa Ibom Police Dismantle Kidnap Gang, Recover Weapons, Cash In Millions

Akwa Ibom police dismantle kidnap gang, recover weapons, cash in millions. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismantled a notorious kidnap gang responsible for a series of abductions in Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and nearby communities.

The successful operation led to the death of one suspect, while arms, ammunition, and over ₦3.1 million in cash were recovered.

Confirming the development on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, described the gang as a major force behind recent kidnappings in the area.

Police Raid Criminal Hideouts
Acting on credible intelligence, a joint tactical team stormed several hideouts in Ikpe Annang, Ikpe Ikot Akpan, and Ikot Inyang within Essien Udim Local Government Area.

Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire in an attempt to escape, prompting a swift response from security forces.

“The operatives engaged the suspects in a gun duel, leading to their apprehension. All five gang members sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital, where one was confirmed dead,” John stated.

Police

Weapons and Cash Seized
A search of the gang’s hideouts led to the recovery of:
One AK-47 rifle
One G3 rifle
One pump-action shotgun
One locally made dane gun
₦3,130,600 in cash
Other items, including musical instruments and personal effects

Police Issue Warning to Criminals
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, commended the tactical team for their efforts and reassured residents that the fight against crime in Akwa Ibom would continue.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement, stressing that criminal elements will find no refuge in the state.

Gov. Umo Eno Clear Air On Udom Emmanuel N700bn Fraud Allegations

Gov. Umo Eno Clear Air On Udom Emmanuel N700bn Fraud Allegations…SAYS PREDECESSOR PERFORMED CREDITABLY WELL.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has described as false, and spurious the rumours making the rounds that his predecessor in office, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, CON, has a case to answer over an allegation of fraud before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

He said the allegations of misappropriation of N700bn is not only false but totally unfounded.

Speaking during the just concluded Town Hall meeting with the people of Abak Federal Constituency at the Abak Township Stadium, Governor Eno said his successor, Udom Emmanuel, served the State meritoriously and deserves gratitude.

Mr. Udom Emmanuel had visited the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday evening to honour an invitation and despite being allowed to leave the same day and returning to his home in Lagos, a section of the media wrongly reported that he was being held by the anti- graft agency in relation to an alleged 700billion naira fraud under his watch.

Governor Eno, dismissed the rumours, saying such figures and allegations are unknown to his government.

Governor Eno said the attitude of people trying to drag down leaders who sacrificed for the common good of the people, tends to discourage people from committing to service.

“Because at the end of the day, the people don’t show you that gratitude.

Umo Eno and Udom Emmanuel

“When a man has served his state meritoriously like Deacon Udom Emmanuel did, honestly, he should be honoured, he should be respected.

“And so I don’t see a place for this kind of information that is going on. It’s not correct.

“I don’t believe it should go on. I don’t believe so. So, I don’t know where they get the figures from. I don’t know where they churn it out from, but I can tell you as a sitting Governor, that it is not correct.

“It is not true. The media trial must and should stop forthwith. And we need to dimiss th

Umo Eno Visits Ibom Deep Seaport Project Site, Contruct Access Road

Umo Eno visits Ibom deep seaport project site, contruct access road. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno Ph.D, has directed the contractors handling 7-kilometer access road project at the Ibom Deep Sea Port to expedite work and ensure speedy completion to give way for other projects in the area.

The Governor gave the directive when paid an unscheduled but strategic visit to the project site,

He emphasized the importance of the access road, which leads to the Industrial City Gate, in ensuring seamless connectivity for the port’s development.

In further demonstration of commitment to the project’s timely execution, Governor Eno also directed the immediate commencement of the Access Gate construction, groundbreaking for Sales Offices, and the Container Terminal.

“These key developments will mark a significant step toward making the port a reality,” the Governor added.

Governor Eno used the opportunity to caution host communities against disrupting government projects in their areas, urging them to support the initiative for greater economic good.

He highlighted the numerous benefits the project would bring, including job creation, increased trade, and commercial growth within the hub.

Ibom Deep Seaport

Acknowledging the magnitude of the project, the Governor stated: “We must start something and see how far our strength can take us, even as we expect help.”

When completed, the Ibom Deep Sea Port is expected to position Akwa Ibom as a leading maritime hub, boosting trade, industrialization, and overall economic growth in the region.

The Governor was accompanied on the visit by Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant to the Governor, Aniefiok Johnson, Commissioners, Chairman, Mbo Local Government Council , Managing Director, Hensek , Engr Uwem Okoko and the Contractor handling the access road, Engr Aiman Saiman of Amitec Construction.