Police raid armed robbers’ hideout in Akwa Ibom, arrest seven suspects

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said it has raided a criminal hideout in Ikot Osong village, Obot Akara Local Government Area of the state and arrested seven suspected criminals allegedly involved in terrorizing residents of Ikot Ekpene and environs.

The hideout, according to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John on Saturday, serves as a shrine for the suspects to fortify themselves before going for operations.

John said the raid was initiated following the neutralization of one of the robbers during a foiled robbery attempt and the subsequent apprehension of the overall gang leader who was found in hiding in Imo State.

She said the gang leader’s confession provided critical information that led police operatives to the suspects’ operational base.

Parts of the statement read, “In a major crackdown on criminal activity, has successfully dismantled a suspected notorious armed robbery syndicate that has been terrorizing residents of Ikot Ekpene and its environs. The operation, which led to the arrest of seven suspects, is a direct result of ongoing efforts to curb violent crime in the region.

“At approximately 02:30AM on August 8, 2025, a team of operatives launched a raid on the syndicate’s hideout located in Ikot Osong village, Obot Akara Local Government Area. This location also served as a shrine where the suspects reportedly fortify themselves before their operations.”

The spokesperson listed the suspects as David Effiong Silas aka “Davido,” (male, 29), Etido Udo Lazarus (male, 26), Etimbuk Thursday Udofia (female, 25), Ime Effiong Silas aka “Udo Doctor,” (male, 27), Joseph John Nelson (male, 31), Nduese Solomon John (male, 32), and Imo Effiong Udofia (male, 22).

She listed the items recovered from the operation to include one locally made, cut-to-size double-barrel gun, two expanded cartridges and one live cartridge, one live 7.62 mm AK-47 ammunition, five motorcycles ,one bicycle, three face masks, two power banks,⁠ ⁠multiple mobile phones, a police-crested cap, army camouflage cap, suspected charms and a liquid substance used for native protection.

John said investigation is ongoing to recover more stolen items and apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.

Police raid armed robbers’ hideout in Akwa Ibom, arrest seven suspects