The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has refuted reports circulating in the media alleging that gunmen invaded a students’ lodge in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, abducted 15 students, and stole valuables.
The command described the claims as false and misleading, clarifying that the reported incident was actually an operation conducted by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement issued in Uyo on Sunday, October 26, 2025, by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, the Police said its attention had been drawn to a misleading publication titled “Unknown Gunmen Raid Students Lodge,” which claimed that 15 students were abducted in Ikot Ekpene. The report, which spread rapidly, had caused public anxiety across the state.
“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. “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, regarding a suspected armed robbery incident at Ikot Uboh Village, Ikot Ekpene. She said a tactical team was immediately deployed to the scene, where it was later discovered that the supposed armed men were EFCC operatives from the Uyo Zonal Office conducting a sanctioned operation that led to 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 clarified.
The Command urged journalists and media houses to verify information related to security matters before publishing, warning that inaccurate or sensational reports could cause unnecessary fear and confusion 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 added.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammad Azare, commended officers for their professionalism and restraint during the incident, noting that their composure prevented a potential confrontation between security agencies. He also advised all law enforcement agencies operating in the state to notify and coordinate with the Police as the lead security agency before carrying out any operations.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding all residents and visitors in Akwa Ibom State and assured the public of continued transparency in its operations, urging journalists and citizens to seek verified information directly from the Police.
