February 09, (THEWILL) — Security operatives in Akwa Ibom State have dismantled a dangerous armed robbery syndicate that allegedly operated by impersonating police officers, following a swift intelligence-led operation in the Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command stated that the breakthrough was achieved on Saturday, February 7, 2026, when operatives raided a criminal hideout in Ikot Otu Village, Ikot Ekpene.
The raid was prompted by credible intelligence regarding the group’s activities in the area.
During the operation, a 48-year-old suspect, Elijah Akpan, was arrested. A search of his person led to the recovery of four expended cartridges and two Special Protection Unit (SPU) police badges, raising strong suspicions of criminal impersonation and the use of false identities to perpetrate violent crimes.
Police sources disclosed that the recovery of the badges suggests members of the syndicate disguised themselves as law enforcement officers to deceive, intimidate, and attack unsuspecting residents within Ikot Ekpene and neighboring communities.
Further investigations led to the arrest of another suspect, Nsikak Udo, 32, who is described as the custodian of the gang’s firearms.
A search of his premises resulted in the recovery of a single-barrel gun, eight expended cartridges, three small containers of gunpowder, and other materials allegedly used for the illegal reloading of ammunition.
The Police Command described the discovery of locally reloaded cartridges and the illegal possession of police identification items as a serious threat to public safety.
Officials noted that such tactics significantly increase the risk of violent crime and erode public trust in security institutions.
Both suspects are currently in police custody while intensive investigations continue to dismantle the entire criminal network, trace the source of the firearms, and apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against violent crime, warning that the state will not serve as a safe haven for criminal elements.
He assured residents that aggressive, intelligence-driven operations and targeted raids would continue across the state to sustain current security gains.
