Police bust armed robbery syndicate, arrest seven suspects

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, on 8 August 2025, dismantled a suspected notorious armed robbery syndicate that had been terrorising residents of Ikot Ekpene and its environs.

DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, said the operation, which led to the arrest of seven suspects, was a direct result of ongoing efforts to curb violent crime in the area.

She said: “The operation was initiated following the neutralisation of one of the gang leaders during a foiled robbery attempt and the subsequent apprehension of the overall gang leader, who was found in hiding in Imo State.

“The gang leader’s confession provided critical information that led the police to their operational base.”

The PPRO noted that at around 2:30 am on August 8, 2025, a team of operatives launched a raid on the syndicate’s hideout, located in Ikot Osong village, Obot Akara Local Government Area.

John said the location also served as a shrine where the suspects reportedly fortified themselves before their operations.

According to her, those arrested at the scene include David Effiong Silas, aka “Davido,” male, 29;  Etido Udo Lazarus, male, 26; Etimbuk Thursday Udofia, female, 25; Ime Effiong Silas, aka “Udo Doctor,” male, 27; Joseph John Nelson, male, 31; Nduese Solomon John, male, 32, and Imo Effiong Udofia, male, 22.

John said that items recovered from the operation were one locally made, cut-to-size double-barrel gun; two expanded cartridges and one live cartridge; one live 7.62 mm AK-47 ammunition; Five motorcycles; one bicycle; three face masks; two power banks;⁠ ⁠multiple mobile phones; a police-crested cap; ⁠⁠army camouflage cap, and suspected charms and a liquid substance used for native protection.

She stated that an investigation is currently ongoing to recover more stolen items and arrest other members of the syndicate still at large.

The command reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.