Police Gun Down Robber in Dramatic Akwa Ibom Filling Station Raid

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command successfully repelled a violent heist on a petrol station in Abak on Friday evening, neutralizing one gunman and forcing several others to flee with life-threatening injuries. The incident, which unfolded around 7:47 p.m. at a facility along the busy Ikot Ekpene Road near Ikot Ekang Junction, highlights the heightened security measures in place across the state as the 2026 new year festivities continue.

Acting on a tip-off, a specialized police team was already monitoring the area when the six-man gang arrived on motorcycles. The suspects, reportedly part of a notorious syndicate that has plagued the Abak and Ikot Ekpene axes, attempted to overpower the pump attendants before being intercepted by the waiting officers. The quiet evening was shattered by a fierce gun duel as the hoodlums opened fire in an attempt to blast their way out of the police cordon.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed on Saturday that one of the assailants was fatally wounded during the exchange. While the remaining five suspects managed to retreat into the dense nearby bush under the cover of darkness, evidence at the scene suggested that many of them did not escape unscathed. “Information at our disposal suggests that some of the fleeing suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries,” John stated, adding that the gang abandoned their mission and fled on motorcycles.

A subsequent sweep of the area yielded a significant haul of criminal hardware. Recovered items included four locally fabricated firearms, six live cartridges, and a collection of personal effects including a Samsung phone, an Itel phone, a wallet, and four ATM cards. Perhaps most striking was the discovery of various charms tied around the body of the deceased suspect, a common superstitious practice among the region’s underworld intended to provide “spiritual protection” against bullets.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, has officially commended the bravery and tactical precision of the officers involved. In a statement issued from the State Command Headquarters in Uyo, Azare noted that the “swift and professional response” was instrumental in ensuring that no innocent lives were lost and no property was damaged during the high-stakes confrontation. The Commissioner reiterated his commitment to maintaining an “uncompromising operational tempo” against criminal networks in the state.

As the manhunt for the five survivors intensifies, the police have issued a stern warning to medical practitioners and traditional healers. They are urged to immediately report any individuals seeking treatment for suspicious gunshot wounds. DSP Timfon John emphasized that providing medical aid to fleeing felons without alerting the authorities is a criminal offense, assuring the public that all whistleblowers would be granted absolute confidentiality.

The body of the unidentified robber has been deposited at a local mortuary for autopsy and further investigation. For the residents of Abak, the successful foiling of the raid serves as a reassurance of the police’s growing reliance on intelligence-led operations. With the 2026 security calendar now in full swing, the Akwa Ibom Command appears determined to send a clear message: the “Land of Promise” will remain a hostile environment for those seeking to disrupt its peace.