The police command in Akwa Ibom says it has arrested seven suspected armed robbers terrorising residents of Ikot Ekpene LGA and its environs.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the command’s spokesman, DSP Timfon John, on Saturday.

According to the police, a team of operatives launched a raid on the syndicate’s hideout located at Ikot Osong in Obot Akara LGA at 2:30 a.m. on August 8 and arrested the suspects.

“The location also served as a shrine, where they reportedly fortify themselves before their operations,” the statement said.

It said the operation was initiated following a neutralisation of one of the gang leaders during a foiled robbery attempt and a subsequent apprehension of the overall gang leader, who was found in hiding in Imo.

“The police  in a major crackdown on criminal activities, successfully dismantled a suspected notorious armed robbery syndicate that has been terrorising residents of Ikot Ekpene and its environs.

“The operation, which led to the arrest of seven suspects, is a direct result of an ongoing effort to curb violent crimes in the region,” said the police.

According to the statement, the gang leader’s confession provided critical information that led the police to their operational base.

The command explained that items recovered from the operation includes; one locally made cut-to-size double-barrel gun, two expanded cartridges,  one live cartridge, and one live 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition.

Other items are five motorcycles, one bicycle, three face masks, two power banks, multiple mobile phones, a police-crested cap, ⁠⁠army camouflage cap, suspected charms.

”Investigation is ongoing to recover more stolen items and apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large,” it added.

The command reaffirmed the its commitment to provide safety and security for all residents.

(NAN)