Akwa Ibom Police Neutralise Notorious Kidnap Kingpin in Cross River State

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully neutralised Ubong Archibong, widely known by his alias “Condiment,” a notorious kidnap kingpin and sea pirate who has been terrorising the Uruan and Oron waterways in the state.

The suspect was taken down during a fierce gun battle with police operatives at his hideout in Uyanga Community, Cross River State.

The announcement was made by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Akwa Ibom, ASP Timfon John, in a statement released on Thursday.

According to ASP John, the successful operation marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight against organised crime in the region.

Ubong Archibong, also known as “Condiment,” was the leader of the feared “Bling-Bling Marine Strike Force,” a criminal gang infamous for its ruthless activities on the waterways of Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

Archibong and his gang have been linked to a series of high-profile kidnappings and murders that have plagued the area, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.

One of the most heinous crimes attributed to Archibong’s gang was the kidnapping of High Court Judge Joy Unwana.

During the abduction, Archibong and his gang brutally killed her police orderly, Inspector ThankGod Edet, in a brazen attack that shocked the legal and law enforcement communities.

This crime was seen as a direct assault on the judiciary and a challenge to the rule of law, prompting an intensified manhunt for the perpetrators.

In another chilling act, Archibong was also responsible for the gruesome murder of the CEO of Emem and Sons Nigeria Ltd, alongside the abduction of his sales representative.

These acts of violence were not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of kidnappings and killings orchestrated by Archibong and his criminal network.

Other victims include Pharmacist Joemel and Brown, the CEO of Mingles Hotel, whose abductions further demonstrated the reach and audacity of Archibong’s operations.

The operation to neutralise Ubong Archibong was the culmination of extensive intelligence gathering and coordinated action by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

ASP Timfon John revealed that the operatives had tracked Archibong to his hideout in Uyanga Community, where they engaged in a gunfight with the suspect and his accomplices.

Despite the intense exchange of gunfire, the police operatives successfully neutralised Archibong, effectively dismantling a critical element of the Bling-Bling Marine Strike Force.

During the operation, the police recovered a G3 rifle along with four live rounds of ammunition from Archibong.

The confiscation of these weapons underscores the lethal threat posed by the gang, which had been well-armed and prepared to confront law enforcement.

The body of the neutralised suspect has been recovered and deposited in the morgue as investigations continue.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing all remaining members of the gang to justice.

ASP John assured the public that the command is working diligently to apprehend any accomplices who are still at large.

The operation is part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks in the region and restore peace and security to communities affected by the gang’s activities.

The neutralisation of Ubong Archibong has been met with widespread relief among residents of Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, particularly those in communities directly impacted by the gang’s criminal activities.

Many see this development as a critical step towards reclaiming their waterways and restoring a sense of normalcy that had been eroded by fear of kidnappings and violence.

Law enforcement agencies have praised the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for its perseverance and tactical execution of the operation.

The success of this mission highlights the importance of intelligence-led policing and the need for continued collaboration between security agencies and the public in combating crime.

In her statement, ASP John called on community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

She emphasised that public cooperation is essential in the ongoing efforts to root out criminal elements and ensure that justice is served.

While the neutralisation of Ubong Archibong is a significant victory, it is just one part of the broader fight against organised crime in Akwa Ibom State.

The police command has reiterated its dedication to pursuing all leads and working tirelessly to dismantle other criminal syndicates operating in the region.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command continues to encourage the public to provide information that could aid in the apprehension of other members of the Bling-Bling Marine Strike Force and similar criminal groups.

The police have assured residents that all information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and that the safety and security of the community remain the highest priority.

As the investigation progresses, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command is committed to keeping the public informed and ensuring that justice is delivered for the victims of Archibong’s reign of terror.