The Akwa Ibom State command of the Nigeria Police Force has dismissed as false and misleading media reports that gunmen raided a students’ lodge in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, abducted 15 students, and carted away valuables.
Naija News reports that the force command was responding to a local tabloid that had published a report titled “Unknown gunmen raid students lodge” with a rider, “Abduct 15 students, cart away valuable properties in Ikot Ekpene,” which quickly stirred public anxiety across the state.
However, the command, in a statement issued on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in Uyo by its spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, clarified that no abduction took place, explaining that the supposed incident was, in fact, an operation conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has been drawn to misleading publications in the media that armed men raided a students’ lodge, abducted 15 students, and carted away valuable properties in Ikot Ekpene,” the statement read.
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“The command wishes to categorically state that the incident was not an abduction by unknown gunmen and no student was abducted from the lodge.”
John explained that the Police had received a distress call around 4:30 a.m. on October 24, 2025, alleging an armed robbery attack at Ikot Uboh Village in Ikot Ekpene.
“In a swift response, our teams were mobilised and deployed tactically to the scene, cordoning off the area to engage the supposed threat,” she said.
According to her, upon arrival, it was discovered that the supposed armed men were actually EFCC operatives from the Uyo Zonal Office, who were on a sanctioned operation that resulted in the arrest of some individuals.
“Some persons were arrested by the EFCC during this operation and not abducted as claimed by the media reports,” she added.
The command urged journalists and media houses to verify security-related information before publication, warning that sensational or inaccurate reports could create unnecessary panic among residents.
“While we acknowledge the vital role of the press in society, we urge journalists and media houses to cross-check facts with the Police Command before publishing stories of this nature,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammad Azare, was said to have commended the officers for their professionalism and restraint during the incident, noting that their conduct prevented a potential confrontation.
“CP Azare also urges all law enforcement agencies to always notify and synergise with the Police as the lead security agency in the state when carrying out operations within our Area of Responsibility,” the statement added.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in Akwa Ibom State, adding that its doors remain open to journalists and the public seeking accurate security information.
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