In a statement released Monday, DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, stated that Akpan was in police custody and had been escorting agents to the gang’s hideout in Mbiaso village, which also functioned as their armory, at the time of the event.

Imoh Gavin Akpan, a suspected notorious armed robbery gang leader from Ikot Uboh village, was successfully neutralized by Command operatives on August 9, 2025, at around 11:00 p.m., according to the statement.

Akpan was shot during a gunfight with police. Akpan has played a significant role in multiple armed robberies and acts of terror in Ikot Ekpene and the neighboring districts.

The squad started the operation after Akpan, who was being held by the police, guided them to a hiding place in Mbiaso village that was used as the gang’s arsenal. Other gang members opened fire on the cops when they arrived.

Akpan tried to flee during the subsequent gunfight and was struck by a bullet. He was sent to the hospital right away for treatment, but a doctor there declared him dead. For an autopsy, his body has been placed in the hospital mortuary.

John went on to say that the investigation is still underway and that more is being done to apprehend the other gang members who are escaping.

A shotgun manufactured locally, two used ammunition, and one live cartridge were found inside the hiding place.