The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating in some media outlets that 15 students were abducted by gunmen during a raid on a students’ lodge in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state.
The Command described the reports as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents. It explained that the incident, which occurred in the early hours of October 24, 2025, was actually a lawful operation conducted by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from the agency’s Uyo Zonal Office.
This clarification was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammad Azare.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that the incident was not an abduction by unknown gunmen and no student was abducted from the lodge,” the statement read.
DSP John explained that the Command received a distress call around 4:30 a.m. on the day of the incident, reporting what was believed to be an armed robbery attack at a students’ lodge located in Ikot Uboh Village, Ikot Ekpene.
According to her, police officers were immediately mobilised to the scene, where they tactically cordoned off the area to prevent any possible harm to residents.
“In a swift response, our teams were deployed tactically to the scene, cordoning off the area to engage the supposed threat,” she said.
However, upon arriving at the scene, the police discovered that the operation was not a criminal attack, but a lawful exercise by EFCC officials.
“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,” DSP John explained.
She added that some persons were arrested by EFCC operatives during the operation but stressed that no one was kidnapped, contrary to media reports that claimed 15 students were abducted.
The police spokesperson noted that the quick and professional response of the officers on duty helped to prevent what could have turned into a serious confrontation between security operatives.
She said Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammad Azare had commended the officers for their professionalism, calmness, and restraint during the encounter.
“The Commissioner of Police commended the officers involved for their professional conduct and restraint, which averted a potential ugly incident,” she added.
Azare also used the opportunity to call on all law enforcement and security agencies operating within Akwa Ibom State to always inform and coordinate with the police before carrying out operations in the state.
According to him, such synergy would prevent future misunderstandings and ensure the safety of both security personnel and members of the public.
“The Commissioner has urged 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,” the statement said.
DSP John also appealed to journalists and media organisations to always verify information with the police before publishing reports relating to security matters.
She stressed that unverified reports could create unnecessary fear among residents and harm the reputation of security agencies working to maintain peace in the state.
“The Command acknowledges the important role of the media in society but urges journalists to cross-check facts with the police before publishing stories of such nature,” she advised.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Akwa Ibom State and promised to continue working closely with other security agencies to prevent crime and maintain peace.
Meanwhile, the EFCC is yet to issue an official statement regarding the operation in Ikot Ekpene or confirm the number of persons arrested.
