EFCC Raid Mistaken For Kidnapping, Say Police
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that gunmen raided a students’ lodge, abducted 15 students, and stole valuables in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
This followed a report titled “Unknown Gunmen Raid Students’ Lodge”, which claimed that armed men invaded a students’ residence in Ikot Ekpene and kidnapped several occupants.
In a statement issued in Uyo on Sunday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, described the publication as misleading. According to the police spokesperson, there was no abduction in the area as reported.
“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 in part.
”The command wishes to categorically state that the incident was not an abduction by unknown gunmen and no student was abducted from the lodge.
“It is imperative to set the record straight and reassure the general public that the operation in question was a lawfully conducted exercise by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Uyo Zonal Office.”
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She explained that the police received a distress call around 4:30 a.m. on October 24, 2025, alleging a robbery at Ikot Uboh Village in Ikot Ekpene. The police team immediately mobilised to the scene and cordoned off the area to respond to the supposed threat.
”Upon arrival at the scene and subsequent professional challenge by our officers, it was established that the operatives at the location were from the EFCC, conducting a sanctioned operation. Some persons were arrested by the EFCC during this operation and not abducted as claimed by the media reports.
”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, as inaccurate reporting is capable of causing unnecessary panic,” she said.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, commended the officers involved for their professional response and restraint, which he said helped avert confusion during the EFCC operation.
He also called for stronger collaboration among security agencies in the state.
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”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 (AOR) to prevent such mix-ups.
“Our doors are always open to journalists and members of the public who seek to verify any security-related information.
“The command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in Akwa Ibom State,” the statement added.
