The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading reports that 15 students were abducted by armed men from a students’ lodge in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state.
The denial follows a local tabloid publication titled “Unknown gunmen raid students lodge” with the subheading “Abduct 15 students, cart away valuable properties in Ikot Ekpene.” The story has since stirred controversy in Uyo, the state capital.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the police clarified that no abduction took place, contrary to media claims.
“The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has been drawn to misleading reports alleging that armed men raided a students’ lodge, abducted 15 students, and carted away valuables in Ikot Ekpene,” the statement read.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that no such abduction occurred. The operation in question was, in fact, a lawful exercise carried out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Office.”
The police further explained that on October 24, 2025, at about 4:30 a.m., officers received a distress call about a suspected armed robbery incident in Ikot Uboh Village, Ikot Ekpene. A tactical team was immediately deployed to the area.
“Upon arrival, our officers professionally challenged the operatives and confirmed that they were EFCC officials on a sanctioned operation. Some persons were arrested by the EFCC, not abducted, as wrongly reported,” the statement added.
DSP John urged journalists and media houses to verify information with the police before publishing stories capable of causing public panic.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammad Azare, commended the officers for their professionalism and restraint during the incident, which prevented a potential crisis. He also called on other law enforcement agencies to always coordinate with the police when conducting operations within the state to avoid similar misunderstandings.
“Our doors remain open to journalists and members of the public seeking to verify security-related information. The Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in Akwa Ibom State,” the statement concluded.
