10 Bandits linked to killing of security personnel in A’Ibom arrested; vehicles, rifles, others recovered
Ten suspected bandits directly linked to the killings of security Personnel and distruction of property in Akwa Ibom State have been arrested by security operatives in the state
This was disclosed by the State Police Commissioner Mr. Amiengheme Andrew in a statement issued by him and made available to Journalists yesterday in Uyo.
According to him, the 10 suspects were arrested in a coordinated raids on the locations of the criminal at Ntak Ikot Akpan, Abama and Ikot Akpan in Essien Udim, Obot Akara and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas of the state.
The Police Commissioner explained that the police hierarchy was worried following series of attacks on security agencies and formations, leading to wanton loss of lives and property.
“This unacceptable trend of events necessitated the formation of a Joint Task Force (JTF), comprising of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS and NSCDC.”
He listed items recovered from the criminals at different locations to include: One grey coloured Toyota Hilux with Reg. No. ENU 762 YJ, One white and ash coloured Mitsubishi bus with Reg. No. XE 276 ABA, One white coloured Sino Truck with Reg. No. SSM 505 ZR, One blue Toyota Corolla with Reg. No. GWA 955 BF
Other items are four motorcycles, four AK 47 Rifles, four G3 rifles, eight dane guns, three Riot Guns, twenty-eight AK-47 magazines, two G3 magazines, six hundred and fifty-four rounds of ammunition, ten cartridges, ninety-six (96) smoke cartridges, one smoke grenade, twenty-one teargas bombs, thirty-nine hand grenade anti-riot irritants.
In addition as well were seven smoke respirators, six rioters shield, five bullet proof plates, three handcuffs, two leg chains, seven cutlasses, one axe, Police ID card, two Police batons, ten Police beckets, seven Police belts, one pair of woman Police uniform, sixteen combat boots, one Motorola walkie talkie, N63, 000 et cetera.
The owners of the recovered vehicles were urged to go to 6 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Ibawa with proof of ownership for identification and collection or contact the State Police Headquarter, Uyo.
The State Police boss praised the contribution of the Nigerian Army and other sister Security Agencies for the successful exercise; adding, “the operations of the Joint Task Force (JTF) have yielded a lot of successes with more still being done.”
“We will continue to work as a team in securing Akwa Ibom State. I urge Akwa Ibomites to go about their lawful duties without fear of molestation and never relent in being vigilant and giving timely information to the Police and other security agencies”, he said.
