May 19, (THEWILL) – Combined troops of security agencies, led by 2 Brigade Nigerian Army in Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday, raided kidnappers hideout, where a notorious kingpin and gang leader, Otobong Moses, alias Otoabasi, was killed.
THEWILL reports that troops of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army were in conjunction with the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as other security agencies in the state.
The Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Capt. Samuel Akari, disclosed this to newsmen after the raid in Obon Ebot in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.
According to Akari, the troops arrested three of the gang members 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 motorcycles, 16 mobile phones, one AK-47 rifle magazine with 30 rounds of 7.62MM Special ammunition and nine Cutlasses.
Other items recovered according to him include; two military monkey jackets, one helmet strapped with military camouflage uniform, 2 pairs of military camouflage uniform, one military police beret, one police camouflage face cap, one military pull over, ATM card, two TV sets, a standing fan, decoder and four power generating sets.
“In line with operational directives of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Akwa Ibom State Government, troops of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army in conjunction with the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as other security agencies, raided a well known kidnappers hideout.
“The raid operation was as a result of a sustained surveillance on the activities of the notorious kingpin, Otoabasi and his syndicate.
“The first phase of the operations was conducted on May 12, during the operations, troops raided the criminals hideout, but on sighting the troops, the criminals abandoned their hideout and 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.
“Further investigation revealed that the criminal gang is known for terrorising the locals, kidnapping, killing and burying their victims, who do not do their biddings in shallow graves in the general area”, Akari said.
He appealed to residents of the community to return to their homes and continue their businesses, as the security agencies would be on surveillance to ensure peace in the community.
“The good people of Etim Ekpo, Ukanafun LGAs and indeed the entire Akwa Ibom State are enjoined to go about their lawful businesses.
“However, those who are bent on disturbing the peace enjoyed in the state are advised to desist or prepare to face the wrath of the law”, Capt. Akari warned.
About the Author
