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.
