The Akwa-Ibom Police Command says it killed two suspected armed robbers and arrested eight following a shoot-out with the hoodlums in the state.
The State Police Spokesperson, Odiko Macdon, in a statement on Friday, said the incident happened in Essien Udim Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The statement said the shoot-out on Wednesday led to the death of two suspects, having been confirmed dead in a hospital.
Macdon stated that the Command also arrested three suspected cultists at Ikot Atai village in Itu LGA, for allegedly robbing and inflicting pains on their victims with machete cuts.
The statement read in part: “On 25/11/2020, at about 2200hrs, a distress call was received about an ongoing armed robbery operation at Obo Annang Junction in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
“A combined team of operatives, coordinated by the Area Commander Ikot Ekpene, ACP Nasir Kankarofo, led to an exchange of gunfire with the hoodlums, one Pius Ubong and Sunny (other names unknown) …
“…Were hit and confirmed dead after being taken to the hospital while Stephen Dominic, age 20 years, Sunday Akpan, 22 years, and Friday Emmanuel Akpan, 32 years, all-male and members of the same gang were arrested.
“On the same day, the Divisional Police Officer of Essien Udim, CSP Samuel Isiek, led a combined team of Tactical Squads to raid criminal hideouts around Essien Udim which led to the arrest of five hoodlums…
“…Suspected to have robbed Obo Annang Market earlier in the week. They are helping the police with further investigation,” it said.
Items recovered from the suspected robbers include two locally made pistols, two axes, 86 live cartridges, 5 expended cartridges, charms, the sum of N9,150.00 cash, one airtel sim card, and four big bags.
