Wanted gang leader dies after clash with A’Ibom residents

Ememobong Okon

A suspected armed robbery gang leader has died after a confrontation with youths in Mbiabet Ikpe community, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, with the police recovering a locally made pistol and two cartridges.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said the incident happened around 7.30 pm on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, when some youths reportedly attempted to seize the suspect, identified only as Mkpowo.

According to the police, the suspect, who was allegedly on the command’s wanted list, brought out a locally made pistol and fired at the youths during the encounter.

However, the residents reportedly overpowered him, leaving him with head injuries.

He was subsequently taken to a hospital for medical attention but was pronounced dead. His remains were deposited in a morgue for preservation.

The police said a locally made pistol, one live cartridge and one expended cartridge were recovered from the suspect.

Preliminary investigations indicated that Mkpowo was allegedly the leader of a criminal gang accused of terrorising residents of the area. His activities and suspected hideout had reportedly been under security surveillance.

The Command recalled that recent operations against the gang had led to the destruction of its identified hideout and the recovery of four firearms.

The latest incident, it said, formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks, recover illegal weapons and restore security in affected communities.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended residents for supporting security operations and providing credible information to the police.

However, he warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands or engaging suspected criminals in violent confrontations, particularly when firearms were involved.

Azare urged residents to report suspected offenders to the police rather than attempt to apprehend armed individuals themselves.

He advised members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and criminal activities to the nearest police station or through established security channels.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said this in a statement on Wednesday.