Troops, NSCDC, others raid kidnappers’ hideout in A’Ibom
Akpan Umoh, Uyo
Troops of 2 Brigades, Nigerian Army; Nigeria Police; the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as well as other security agencies have raided kidnappers’ hideout in Akwa Ibom where a notorious kingpin and gang leader Otobong Moses, alias Otoabasi was neutralised.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Capt. Samuel Akari, told journalists after the raid in Obon Ebot in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom on Wednesday.
Akari said the troops arrested three of his accomplices and rescued two kidnapped victims during the operation.
According to him, items recovered from the raid include; one Sub Machine Gun and magazine, 67 rounds of 9MM ammunition, two motorcycles, 16 mobile phones, and one AK 47 rifle magazine with 30 rounds of 7.62MM Special ammunition and nine machetes.
He added that other items recovered include; two military monkey jackets, one helmet strapped with a military camouflage uniform, 2 pairs of military camouflage uniforms, one military police beret, one police camouflage face cap, one military pullover, an ATM card, two TV sets, a standing fan, decoder and four generator sets.
“In line with operational directives of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Akwa Ibom State Government, troops of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army in conjunction with the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps as well as other security agencies raided a well-known kidnappers’ hideout.
“The raid operation was as a result of sustained surveillance on the activities of the notorious kingpin and his syndicate.
“The first phase of the operations was conducted on May 12, during the operations, troops raided the criminals’ hideout, but on sighting the troops the criminals abandoned their hideout and fled.
“The gallant troops rescued the kidnapped victims and arrested two collaborators of the criminal kingpin while the shrine, hideout and assorted charms were set ablaze by the troops.
“Further investigation revealed that the criminal gang is known for terrorising the locals, kidnapping, killing and burying their victims, who do not do their biddings in shallow graves in the general area,” Akari said.
He appealed to residents of the community to return to their homes and continue their businesses as the security agencies would be on surveillance to ensure peace in the community.
“The good people of Etim Ekpo, Ukanafun LGAs and indeed the entire Akwa Ibom State are enjoined to go about their lawful businesses.
“However, those who are bent on disturbing the peace enjoyed in the state are advised to desist or prepare to face the wrath of the law,” he said.
