By RismadarVoice Reporters
January 3, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Police Command has foiled a planned armed robbery operation in Abak Local Government Area, neutralizing one suspect, recovering firearms and ammunition.
The incident followed credible intelligence received on January 2, 2026, indicating that a notorious armed robbery gang was planning to attack a petrol station along Ikot Ekpene Road, by Ikot Ekang Junction, Abak.
According to the police, the gang was allegedly responsible for a series of recent robberies targeting Point-of-Sale (POS) operators, petrol stations, supermarkets within Abak and neighbouring areas.
Police operatives were immediately deployed to the location following the intelligence alert.
At about 7:47p.m., the suspects, said to be about six armed men, arrived at the petrol station, attempted to rob the pump attendants.
A gun duel reportedly ensued after the suspects encountered the police team.
During the exchange, one of the suspects was neutralized, while the remaining members of the gang fled the scene, escaping into a nearby bush on motorcycles.
Police said information available to them suggests that some of the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot injuries.
A search of the area led to the recovery of the following items:
•Four locally made firearms
•Six live cartridges
•Two mobile phones (Samsung and Itel)
•One brown bag
•One wallet
•Four ATM cards
The body of the neutralised suspect, who has yet to be identified, was evacuated and deposited at a mortuary.
Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the officers involved for their swift response and professionalism, noting that the operation prevented the robbery, ensured that no civilian life was lost, no property was damaged.
He assured residents that an intensive manhunt is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The police command reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property, urged residents to provide timely, credible information to security agencies.
Members of the public, particularly medical practitioners, were also encouraged to report any individuals seeking treatment for suspected gunshot injuries.
