According to a statement issued to newsmen in Uyo, the state capital, on Tuesday, by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Odiko Macdon, the operatives of the command’s Crack Team of Ikot Ekpene Division, on March 20, responded to a distress call, and engaged the armed robbers in a gun duel, killing three of them.
“In compliance with the CP’s directive, on March 20, a crack team from Ikot Ekpene division responded to a distress call, and engaged armed robbers, numbering about 10, who were robbing at NDDC Hall/National Museum, Ikot Inyang village and environs,” the statement read.
“In the ensuing gun duel, three of the suspects were neutralised while one was arrested and others escaped with bullet wounds.
“A locally-made pistol, one expanded and one live cartridge were recovered. Also recovered were vandalised wire cables, among other items.
“The gang is said to be responsible for robberies around Ikot Ekpene and environs.”
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara, had directed that Force should take the fight to the criminals’ hideouts in a bid to arrest and bring them to book, warning criminal elements in the state to desist or be ready to face dire consequences.