Police gun down robbery suspect, seize firearms in A’Ibom

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has foiled an armed robbery operation in Abak Local Government Area, killing one suspect and recovering firearms and ammunition during a swift, intelligence-led intervention.

According to the command, credible intelligence received on January 2, 2026, indicated that a notorious gang of armed robbers, linked to recent attacks on Point-of-Sale (POS) operators, petrol stations and supermarkets in Abak and surrounding communities, was planning to strike a petrol station along Ikot Ekpene Road, near Ikot Ekang Junction.

Following the tip-off, police operatives were mobilised and deployed to the location. At about 7:47 p.m., the gang, reportedly comprising about six armed men, arrived at the scene and attempted to rob pump attendants. However, upon sighting the police team, a gun battle ensued.

During the exchange, one suspect was fatally wounded, while the remaining gang members fled into a nearby bush and escaped on motorcycles.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP Timfon John, said sources disclosed that some of the fleeing suspects might have sustained gunshot injuries.

She said a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of four locally made guns, six live cartridges, one Samsung mobile phone, one ITEL mobile phone, one brown bag, one wallet, and four ATM cards.

The body of the neutralised suspect, whose identity has yet to be established, was found with charms tied to it. The corpse has been evacuated and deposited at a mortuary.

Commending the officers involved, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammed Azare, praised their bravery, professionalism and swift response, noting that the operation prevented the robbery without any loss of innocent lives or property damage.

He assured residents that an intensive manhunt is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

“The police command reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges residents to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies,” he said.

Members of the public, particularly medical practitioners, are also encouraged to report individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds under suspicious circumstances.

The command assured that all information would be treated with the utmost confidentiality.