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Police nab robbery suspects, recover firearms in Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Police has successfully apprehended three suspected robbers and cultists, thwarting a potential cult war along the Calabar-Itu Road axis in the state.
A statement by Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State, states that following credible intelligence regarding an impending cult clash along the Calabar-Itu Road, the Command swiftly deployed intelligence and surveillance teams to preempt any violence.
According to the statement, credible intelligence revealed that two notorious gang leaders, who have been terrorizing the Calabar-Itu axis, were lodging at a guest house in Ntak Inyang.
“On May 1, 2025, at approximately 0500 hours, surveillance teams, acting on precise information, raided the identified hideout.
“The operation resulted in the arrest of two male suspects identified as Joseph Ekeng Edet of Akon Itam and Ekon Isaiah of Ibiaku Uruan.
“Both are confirmed members of the Kuklux Klan secret cult. A female companion, Esther Otobong Edem, was also apprehended at the scene.”
The police statement disclosed that exhibits recovered during the operation include one locally made pistol, one battle axe, one hammer, a bottle containing a liquid substance suspected to be a charm, two torchlights, two mobile handsets, and a black bag containing various items.
Investigation is ongoing even as victims have volunteered statements against the suspects.
UK, Nigeria partner to combat fraud, financial crimes
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has strengthened its partnership with Nigeria to combat fraud, and detect and deter financial crimes with the agreement of a new joint action plan.
The British High Commission in Nigeria disclosed the development in a statement released Thursday, outlining a collaborative effort focused on intelligence sharing, trend analysis, and joint operations and performance monitoring.
The initiative aims to bolster the protection of citizens in both nations from financial losses and the increasingly sophisticated threats posed by fraudsters.
According to the commission, the agreement was finalised during a meeting between Lord Hanson, UK minister for fraud, and key Nigerian officials including Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general and minister of justice, and Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA).
Hanson highlighted the importance of international partnerships in tackling fraud, noting that many of these crimes originated overseas.
He noted that fraud ruins lives and strips people of their savings, confidence, and sense of security.
“The joint action plan will enable both countries to better identify and stop fraud before it happens, crack down on criminals who exploit systems, and ultimately protect the public from the devastating impact of fraud, ” the minister said.
Ribadu called for sustained commitment, stating previous successes on tackling the issue would afford the initiative an opportunity for achievement.
The statement said both countries would work collectively to bring criminals to justice, adding that the UK’s Serious Fraud Office will provide targeted training for Nigerian prosecutors.
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