UYO — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested six suspected members and associates of an armed robbery gang operating in Ikono, Ini and Obot Akara Local Government Areas, recovering two single-barrel shotguns, a suspected stolen motorcycle and three laptops.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, she said the suspects were arrested during an early-morning operation at identified criminal hideouts across the three local government areas.

John said the operation followed intelligence gathering on a criminal network allegedly involved in the theft and disposal of motorcycles and other valuables.

Among those arrested were a suspected native doctor, Boniface Essiet, 37, and Victor Igwe, 23, who police alleged specialised in producing fake receipts used to facilitate the sale of suspected stolen motorcycles and other items.

According to the PPRO, Essiet, of Ikot Akpan Ntim Village, Ikono LGA, allegedly supplied charms and other fetish materials to members of the gang. John said local charms and other items were recovered from his shrine.

The other suspects were identified as Peter Sabbath, 34; Joseph Udo, 25; Simeon Udo, 47; and Uko Akang, who was allegedly found with a suspected stolen red Qlink motorcycle with registration number AUQ 73 VC.

John said the police also recovered three laptops and other materials described as relevant to the investigation.

She quoted the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, as commending the operatives for their “courage, professionalism and sustained commitment” to the operation.

The CP directed that the investigation be intensified to establish the individual roles of the suspects, recover more stolen property and apprehend other members or collaborators of the alleged network still at large.

John said the suspects would remain under investigation as the Command works to unravel the activities of the alleged gang.