January 03, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has thwarted a planned armed robbery attempt at a petrol station in Abak Local Government Area, killing one suspect and recovering firearms and other items after a gun battle with the gang.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, DSP Timfon John, made available to Journalists in Uyo, the operation followed actionable intelligence indicating that a notorious robbery syndicate, linked to recent attacks on Point-of-Sale (POS) operators, petrol stations and supermarkets in Abak and its environs, was preparing to strike a filling station along Ikot Ekpene Road by Ikot Ekang Junction.
The statement said police operatives were swiftly deployed to the area and laid in wait. At about 7:47 p.m., the suspects, said to be about six in number, arrived on motorcycles and attempted to rob the station’s attendants, leading to a gun duel when they encountered the police team.
During the exchange of fire, one of the suspects was fatally wounded, while the others escaped into a nearby bush on motorcycles.
The police spokesperson added that intelligence available to the Command suggested that some of the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot injuries.
A search of the area led to the recovery of four locally made firearms, six live cartridges, two mobile phones, a brown bag, a wallet and four Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards.
The deceased suspect, whose identity had yet to be established, was also found with charms tied to his body. His corpse was evacuated and deposited at an undisclosed mortuary.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the officers involved for their swift response and professionalism, noting that their actions prevented the robbery and ensured that no civilian was harmed and no property damaged during the operation.
The police commissioner had ordered an intensive manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang and urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information.
The command also appealed to medical practitioners to report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds under suspicious circumstances, assuring that all information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
