Police in Akwa Ibom have arrested seven men suspected of being members of a robbery gang after raiding a shrine believed to be their hideout and fortification spot in Ikot Osong village, Obot Akara Local Government Area.
The Public Relations Officer of the state police command, DSP Timfon John, said in a statement on Saturday that the operation followed recent breakthroughs against the gang. She explained that one of the gang leaders was killed during a foiled robbery, while the overall leader was captured in Imo State.
“His confession gave us vital information that led our operatives to the group’s operational base in Ikot Osong, which also served as a shrine where members allegedly received native protection before their crimes,” she said.
Those arrested are David Effiong Silas, 29; Etido Udo Lazarus, 26; Etimbuk Thursday Udofia, 25; Ime Effiong Silas, also known as Udo Doctor, 27; Joseph John Nelson, 31; Nduese Solomon John, 32; and Imo Effiong Udofia, 22.
“At about 2:30am on August 8, 2025, a team of operatives launched a raid on the syndicate’s hideout,” John said. “The operation led to the arrest of seven suspects and the dismantling of a notorious armed robbery network that has been terrorising residents of Ikot Ekpene and surrounding areas.”
Recovered from the scene were a locally made cut-to-size double-barrel gun, two used cartridges, one live cartridge, one live 7.62mm AK-47 round, five motorcycles, one bicycle, three face masks, two power banks, several mobile phones, a police-crested cap, an army camouflage cap, charms, and a liquid substance suspected to be used for fortification.
The police said investigations are ongoing to recover more stolen items and arrest other fleeing members of the group.
