The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended seven individuals alleged to be part of a burglary syndicate terrorising residents in Uyo and surrounding communities.
In a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed that the suspects were arrested at various locations in the state following credible intelligence and coordinated surveillance operations.
One of the key suspects, Asuquo Archibong Effiong, was reportedly arrested around 8:00 a.m. in Ibiaku Ishiet village, Uruan Local Government Area. Effiong, a native of Esuk Mba in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State, confessed to being part of a gang responsible for several break-ins and thefts in Ifa Atai village and other parts of Uyo metropolis.
According to the police, Effiong also identified two of his accomplices—simply named Umoh and Twancy—who are currently at large. He further revealed his membership of the Mafia confraternity, listing other cult members for further investigation.
The police said further raids led to the arrest of six suspected receivers of stolen items: Augustine Ita Essien, Sadam Musa, Usman Haruna, Umar Abubakar, Murtiala Muhammed, and Emmanuel Sunday, all of whom reside around Ring Road III in Uyo.
Items recovered from the suspects include a generator, several solar batteries, iron rods, binding wires, and nails—believed to be stolen from previous burglary operations.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its mission to rid the state of criminal elements. Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are in top gear to apprehend other suspects connected to the syndicate,” DSP Timfon stated.
She urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with useful information that would aid in crime detection and prevention.
