The police command in Akwa Ibom State said it apprehended a three-man armed robbery syndicate believed to be responsible for the series of early morning robberies within Uyo metropolitan area.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Uyo.

Ms John said the arrests were made following a diligent investigation and intelligence-led operation.

Ms John said a female resident of Sampson Akpan Street, Uyo, reported to the police that while on a morning walk, she was accosted by two armed men on a black motorcycle on Tuesday, August 12.

According to her, the suspects pointed a locally made pistol at her, threatened her life, and robbed her of an iPhone 12 Pro valued at N650,000.

Ms John said further investigation showed that the same criminal syndicate had robbed at least five other citizens on the same date and was responsible for multiple robberies during early morning hours in the city.

She said the operative of the command through discreet investigations successfully arrested one at Ikot Ibiono community in the Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.

Mr John said that during interrogation of the suspect, he confessed to the crime and led the police to arrest two other members of the gang in Adamawa and Gombe states.

“Both men are residents of ‘Nassarawa’, a community in Itam, Itu local government area of the state” she said.

Mr John said one black operational motorcycle, one locally made pistol, and one long dagger knife were recovered from the suspects.

The command’s spokesperson said that preliminary findings indicated that the stolen phones were packaged and transported to Kano State for sale to unsuspecting buyers.

She said that efforts were currently underway to recover the stolen items.

Ms John reassured citizens of the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

She urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

(NAN)