Akwa Ibom State Police Command neutralised a suspected notorious kidnapper, John Akpan and recovered a firearm, following an encounter with his criminal gang.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John in Uyo on Monday.
John said the feat was achieved based on intelligence report that the police had been closely monitoring a group of kidnappers who had returned to Mkpat Enin Local Government Area for their nefarious activities.
“The gang, which had been terrorising residents from 2020 to 2023, was allegedly responsible for the kidnap of a church founder in 2023. The suspects had been at large since that incident.
“On August 2 at approximately 4pm, the police received a report that the suspects were at a hideout in Ikot Umiang village, planning further kidnappings.
“A surveillance team was immediately dispatched to the location. Upon the team’s arrival, the criminals engaged them by firing shots. Fortunately, no police personnel was injured in the exchange.
“In a swift response, operatives neutralised one of the kidnappers, later identified as John Akpan, a 27-year-old male from Ikot Umiang village in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area,” John said.
The spokesperson said the suspect, who sustained bullet injuries, was rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
She added that other gang members fled the scene and a locally made pistol, one live cartridge and one expanded cartridge were recovered at their hideout.
The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare has directed intensified surveillance and patrols to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
