The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says its operatives, on Friday, foiled an armed robbery attack on a petrol station along Ikot Ekpene Road, by Ikot Ekang Junction, in Abak Local Government Area of the state, recovering firearms in the process.

The command said one of the suspects was neutralised during a gun battle, while five others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The Command Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Saturday, noting that the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence.

According to her, “At about 7:47 pm, the criminal gang, numbering about six armed men, arrived at the location and attempted to rob the pump attendants. Upon sighting the police team, a gun duel ensued.

“During the exchange of fire, one of the armed robbers was fatally wounded, while the remaining members of the gang fled into a nearby bush and escaped on motorcycles. Information at our disposal indicates that some of the fleeing suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries.

“A thorough combing of the area led to the recovery of the following items: four locally made firearms, six live cartridges, one Samsung mobile phone, one Itel mobile phone, one brown bag, one wallet, and four ATM cards.”

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John said the body of the neutralised suspect, whose identity is yet to be established, was found with charms tied to it.

The corpse has since been evacuated and deposited at a mortuary.

She added that the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the officers involved for their bravery, swift response, and professionalism, which prevented the robbery and ensured that no innocent life was lost and no property was damaged during the operation.

The police spokesperson assured the public that an intensive manhunt is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.

“Members of the public, particularly medical practitioners, are encouraged to report any individual seeking treatment for gunshot wounds under suspicious circumstances. All information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality,” the statement added.