Police in Akwa Ibom arrest killers of security officers, recover arms, others

Security operatives in Akwa Ibom State have arrested no fewer than 10 bandits linked to the killing of security personnel and destruction of property in the state.

Commissioner of Police (CP) Amiengheme Andrew, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo, yesterday, saying the suspects were arrested in a coordinated raid on criminal hideouts at Ntak Ikot Akpan, Abama and Ikot Akpan in Essien Udim, Obot Akara and Ikot Ekpene councils of the state.

He explained that the police hierarchy expressed concern over the incessant attacks on security agencies and formations, which had led to the loss of lives and property.

“This unacceptable trend necessitated the formation of a Joint Task Force (JTF), comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, Directorate of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),” he said.

He listed items recovered from the suspects at different locations to include: One Toyota Hilux van marked: ENU 762 YJ, a Mitsubishi bus with registration number XE 276 ABA, Sino truck marked: SSM 505 ZR and Toyota Corolla marked: GWA 955 BF

Other items are four motorcycles, four AK-47 rifles, four G3 rifles, eight locally made guns, three riot guns, 28 AK-47 magazines, two G3 magazines, 624 rounds of ammunition, 10 cartridges, 96 smoke cartridges, one smoke grenade, 21 teargas bombs and 39 hand grenade anti-riot irritants.

Also recovered were seven smoke respirators, six rioters shield, five bulletproof plates, three handcuffs, two leg chains, seven cutlasses, one axe, police ID card, two police batons, 10 police beckets, seven police belts, a woman police uniform, 16 combat boots, a Motorola walkie-talkie and N63, 000 cash, among others.

The owners of the recovered vehicles were urged to go to the 6 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Ibagwa with proof of ownership for identification and collection or contact the State Police Headquarters in Uyo.

He commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their role in the successful exercise, adding: “We will continue to work as a team in securing Akwa Ibom State.

“I urge Akwa Ibom people to go about their businesses without fear of molestation, be vigilant and provide timely information to the police and other security agencies.”