Metro

Police Kill Suspected Kidnapper, Recover Firearm In A’Ibom

Published

9 months ago

August 4, 2025

Editor

A 27-year-old suspected kidnapper, one John Akpan, from Ikot Umiang village in Mpat-enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has been shot dead by operatives of the state command while planning further kidnapping operations in the area

According to a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, in Uyo on Monday, the suspect was killed in a gun battle with operatives while his criminal gang fled into the bush.

John said the command received intelligence on August 2nd 2025, at approximately 4:00 pm, indicating that a suspected criminal gang were at a hideout in Ikot Umiang village, planning further kidnappings.

She stated the surveillance team was immediately dispatched to the scene and upon noticing the arrival of the team, the criminals soon engaged them in a fire exchange which resulted in the death of the suspect.

She stated however that no police personnel were injured in the exchange which also led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, one live cartridge, and one expanded cartridge

The statement reads: ”The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully neutralised a suspected notorious kidnapper and recovery of a firearm following an encounter with a criminal gang.

”Based on intelligence reports, the police had been closely monitoring a group of kidnappers who had returned to the Mkpat Enin local government area.

”The gang, which had been terrorizing residents from 2020 to 2023, was also allegedly responsible for the kidnap of a church founder in 2023. The suspects had been at large since that incident.

”On August 2, 2025, at approximately 4:00 pm, 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 Ubong Akpan, a 27-year-old male from Ikot Umiang village. The other gang members fled the scene.

“A locally made pistol, one live cartridge, and one expanded cartridge were recovered at the hideout.

”Akpan, who sustained bullet injuries, was taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead by medical Doctor.”

Meanwhile, the PPRO said the Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare has directed intensified surveillance and patrols to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

8 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.