By ISAIAH EKA

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom says it has neutralised a suspected notorious kidnapper, John Akpan and recovered firearm following an encounter with his criminal gang.

This is contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Monday.

John said the feat was achieved based on intelligence reports, that the police had been closely monitoring a group of kidnappers who had returned to the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area for their nefarious activities.

“The gang, which had been terrorising 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 Aug. 2 at approximately 4:00pm, 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 in Mkpat Enin LGA,” John said.

The PPRO 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 that the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare has directed intensified surveillance and patrols to apprehend the fleeing suspects. (NAN)