Troops raid kidnappers den in Akwa Ibom, kill kingpin, recover arms

TROOPS of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army in conjunction with Nigeria Police force Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC) and other security agencies have raided kidnappers hideout in Akwa Ibom State, killing a notorious kingpin and gang leader, Otobong Moses, alias Otoabasi.

This was disclosed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Capt. Samuel Akari, to newsmen after the raid in Obon Ebot, in Etim Ekpo Council in Akwa Ibom on Wednesday.

Akari said the troops arrested three accomplices and rescued two kidnapped victims during the operation.

He disclosed that items recovered from the raid include one sub- machine gun and magazine, 67 rounds of 9mm ammunition, two mot orcycles, 16 mobile phones, one AK 47 rifle magazine with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and nine machetes.

Other items recovered, according to him, include two military monkey jackets, one helmet strapped with military camouflage uniform, two pairs of military camouflage uniform, one military police beret, one police camouflage fez cap, one military pullover, ATM card, two TV sets, a standing fan, decoder and four generator sets.

He said: “The raid operation was as a result of a sustained surveillance on the activities of the notorious kingpin and his syndicate.

“The first phase of the operation was conducted on May 12. During the operations, troops raided the criminal hideout, but on sighting the troops the criminals fled.

“The gallant troops rescued the kidnapped victims and arrested two collaborators of the criminal kingpin while the shrine, hideout and assorted charms were set ablaze.”

He appealed to residents of the community to return to their homes and continue their businesses, as security agencies would be on surveillance to ensure peace in the community.