Operatives of the Akwa Ibom Police Command on Wednesday killed two suspected armed robbers during a shoot out with the hoodlums in Essien Udim Local government Area of the state.

The two suspects were confirmed dead after being taken to a hospital while eight of them from the same gang have been arrested

A statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, on Friday, said the command also arrested three suspected cultists at Ikot Atai village in Itu LGA, who allegedly robbed and inflicted pains on their victims with machete cuts

Items recovered from the suspected robbers include two locally made pistols, two axes, 86 live cartridges, 5 expended cartridges, charms, the sum of N9,150.00 cash, one airtel sim card, and four big bags.

The statement reads, “On 25/11/2020, at about 2200hrs, a distress call was received about an ongoing armed robbery operation at Obo Annang Junction in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

“A combined team of operatives, coordinated by the Area Commander Ikot Ekpene, ACP Nasir Kankarofo, led to an exchange of gunfire with the hoodlums, one Pius Ubong and Sunny (other names unknown) were hit and confirmed dead after being taken to the hospital while Stephen Dominic, age 20 years, Sunday Akpan, 22 years, and Friday Emmanuel Akpan, 32 years, all male and members of the same gang were arrested.

“The following exhibits were recovered from the suspects: Two locally made pistols, two locally made pistols, two axes, 86 live cartridges, 5 expended cartridges, charms, the sum of N9,150.00 cash, one airtel sim card and four big bags.

“On the same day, the Divisional Police Officer of Essien Udim, CSP Samuel Isiek, led a combined team of Tactical Squads to raid criminal hideouts around Essien Udim which led to the arrest of five hoodlums suspected to have robbed Obo Annang Market earlier in the week. They are helping the police with further investigation.

“Similarly, on 21/11/2020, at about 2215hrs, premised on a distress call from Obot Idim Junction in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, three (3) suspected cultists / Armed robbers, one Edikan Aniekan Udo, ‘m’ of Use Offot Village in Uyo LGA, Samuel Solomon Ekong ‘m’ of Ikot Obio Atai Village in Itu LGA and one Gabriel Effiong Eyo, ‘m’ of Ikot Ide Etukudo Village in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA were arrested in an operation led by the Divisional Police Officer SP Ahmadu Bello, for robbing and inflicting machete cuts on their victims who were swiftly rushed to the hospital by the Police Operatives while two Laptop Computers, long machetes, big scissors, and torch lights were recovered from the suspects.”