By Tom Zaneni, Abuja
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has said that its operatives have neutralized a notorious kidnap kingpin and sea pirate, Ubong Effiong Archibong, alias “Condiment”.
One G3 riffle and four live ammunition were recovered from the suspect after he was killed in a gun duel at his residence in Cross River State, a signed press release on Thursday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, said.
The police alleged that Archibong was responsible for a series of violent crimes, including the abduction of a high court judge and several high-profile murders.
It described him as the leader of the notorious “Bling Bling Marine Strike Force”.
The command claimed he had been terrorizing the Uruan and Oron waterways, with several deaths and destructions in its trail.
It listed Archibong’s criminal activities to include the kidnapping of High Court Judge, Joy Unwana, during which her police orderly, Inspector ThankGod Edet, was brutally murdered.
He is also linked to the murder of the CEO of Emem and Sons Nig. Ltd and the kidnapping of the company’s sales representative, as well as the abduction of Pharmacist Joemel and Mr Brown, CEO of Mingles Hotel.
The statement read in part: “The suspect was neutralized during a gun battle with operatives of the Command in his hideout at Uyanga Community in Cross River State.
“One G3 riffle with four live ammunition were recovered from the suspect. The corpse of the suspect was recovered and deposited at the morgue. Investigations with full intent to arrest other members of the gang are ongoing.
“Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police CP Waheed Ayilara has reassured Akwa Ibom people of the determination of the Police Command to constantly make Akwa Ibom a safe and secured place for business to thrive.
“CP Ayilara however called on Akwa Ibom people to report all suspicious movements to the Police with a promise that the Police is determined to serve with all amount of professionalism”.
