JTF raids criminals’ hideouts, arrests 10 for killing police officers

Emmanuel Ekpo, Uyo

A Joint Task Force has arrested 10 suspected arm men during raids in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and its environs.

The 10 suspected armed men have been linked with the killing of security operatives and burning of police stations in the last few months in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Andrew Amiengheme, said on Wednesday that the taskforce which comprised the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Directorate of the State Security Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps raided Ntak Ikot Akpan, Abama, and Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara LGAs.

Amiengheme, who spoke on the “Update on the Joint Task Force Operation in Essien Udim and Environ,” stated that many property including AK-47 rifles, vehicles, cartridges, cash, and other items were recovered from the hoodlums during operation.

“The operations of the Joint Task Force have yielded a lot of successes with more still being done.

“Following coordinated raids on the locations of criminal elements at Ntak Ikot Akpan, Abama and Ikot Akpan in Essien Udim, Obot Akara and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas by the Joint Task Force, a total of ten (10) suspects who are directly linked to the killings of security Personnel and destruction of property were arrested,” the statement read.

According to the CP, the police recovered one grey coloured Toyota Hilux with number plate ENU 762 YJ; one white and ash coloured Mitsubishi bus with number plate XE 276 ABA; one white coloured Sino truck with number plate SSM 505 ZR, and one blue Toyota Corolla with number plate GWA 955 BF.

Others were four motorcycles, four AK 47 rifles; four G3 rifles; eight Dane guns; three riot guns, 28 AK-47 magazines; two G3 magazines and six hundred and fifty-four (654) rounds of ammunition, among others.

The statement, however, urged residents of the state, especially those in the affected areas to go about their lawful duties without fear of molestation and be vigilant and ready to divulge timely information to the Police and other security agencies in the state.

It further appreciated the  contributions of the Nigerian Army and other sister Security Agencies, and urged them to continue to work as a team in securing Akwa Ibom State.