AKWA IBOM POLICE COMMAND INTENSIFIES WAR AGAINST CRIMINALITY IN ESSIEN UDIM; WANTED GANG LEADER DIES FOLLOWING CONFRONTATION WITH RESIDENTS, FIREARM AND AMMUNITION RECOVERED
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the death of a notorious armed robbery suspect, identified as Mkpowo, following a confrontation with some youths of Mbiabet Ikpe Community in Essien Udim Local Government Area of the State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at about 7:30 p.m., when some youths of the community reportedly attempted to apprehend the suspect, alleged to be the leader of a criminal gang responsible for terrorising residents of the area. In the course of the encounter, the suspect reportedly brought out a locally made pistol and fired at the youths. However, they were able to overpower him, during which he sustained injuries to his head.
He was subsequently rushed to a hospital for medical attention, where he was confirmed dead. His remains have since been deposited in a morgue for preservation and further necessary procedures.
Following the incident, a locally made pistol, one live cartridge and one expended cartridge were recovered from the suspect. Preliminary information identifies him as one of the criminal elements on the Police Command’s wanted list, whose criminal activities and hideout had been under sustained security surveillance.
It would be recalled that the Police had recently intensified operations against the criminal gang, leading to the invasion and destruction of its identified hideout, where four firearms were recovered. This latest development underscores the Command’s sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks, recover illegal firearms and restore lasting peace and security to affected communities.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commends residents for their willingness to support security efforts and provide credible information to the Police. However, he strongly cautions members of the public against taking the law into their own hands or engaging suspected criminals in violent confrontations, particularly where firearms are involved. He emphasises that suspected offenders should be apprehended, where safely possible, and promptly handed over to the Police for lawful investigation and prosecution.
He urges members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and criminal activities to the nearest Police station or through established security channels.
Signed:
DSP Timfon John, LLB, Anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Akwa Ibom State Police Command
For: Commissioner of Police
November 4, 2026
