The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a three-man armed robbery syndicate believed to be behind a series of early morning attacks in Uyo, the state capital.

Police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, revealed in a statement on Tuesday that the suspects were nabbed after weeks of intelligence gathering and discreet investigation.

Trouble started on August 12 when a 32-year-old woman living on Sampson Akpan Street reported to the police that she was attacked during her morning walk along Believers Assembly Road, Udo Udoma Avenue. According to her, two armed men riding a black motorcycle threatened her with a locally-made pistol and carted away her iPhone 12 Pro valued at ₦650,000.

Further investigations showed that the same gang had robbed at least five other victims on the same day, confirming their role in multiple robberies within the city.

Following a coordinated operation, the police arrested:

Ubong Michael Patrick (27), from Ikpa Ibiono in Ibiono Ibom LGA

Ibrahim Kanu (20), from Adamawa State

Nazipi Dahiru (25), from Gombe State

All three suspects are residents of the Itam area in Itu LGA, popularly called “Nasarawa.”

Items recovered from the gang include:

One black operational motorcycle

A locally-made pistol

A long dagger knife

Investigations further revealed that the stolen phones were usually packaged and transported to Kano State, where they were sold to unsuspecting buyers. The police say efforts are ongoing to recover the stolen items and track other accomplices.

The Commissioner of Police has urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly to help rid Uyo of criminal elements.