By Akanimo Kufre
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command in collaboration with other security agencies has killed the successor to Iso Akpafid, Isaac a.k.a. Stainless who is the leader of a cruel criminal gang following a successful operation Wednesday night.
The body of the slain gang leader was paraded before newsmen at the command headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia. Since 2016 Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun Local Government Areas of the State have witnessed upsurge in criminality and brigandage due to the activities of the notorious criminal group led by Akaninyene Jumbo a.k.a Iso Akpafid. Joint operations of the security agencies in the State led to the death of Iso Akpafid on 15 January 2018.
The relieve and celebration that followed the death of the dreadful Iso Apkafid did not last with emergence of a wicked and brutal self-crowned successors to Isokpafid, who adopted the title STAINLESS as he increased the terror beyond what was experienced before his enthronement.
According to some locals, stainless claim Iso Apkafid was weak hence, he enforced more authority by killing, maiming, raping, kidnapping, issuing of threat letters and burning of houses indiscriminately.
Disturbed by this ugly development, the Security agencies in the State re-strategized and mounted massive operations against the criminal gang. This led to the arrests of many of the hoodlums who in spite of numerous appeals refused to surrender their weapons and embrace peace.
The security community at about 10:30pm on Wednesday, 18 April 2018 received signals of the death of the current and most brutal gang leader, known as Stainless by his victims but whose real name is Isaac, but known to the Security Community and close aides as ‘Baggy Short’, after serious exchange of gun fire.
“We have chosen to parade his corpse to demystify his invisibility and re-assure the people of Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun of their safety to encourage those who have fled the area to return home,” the Akwa Ibom state police commissioner, CP Adeyemi Samuel Ogunjemilusi assured.
“Meanwhile, security has improved significantly in Ikot Ekpene, Plaza, Eket and many areas across the State. There is no hiding place for cultists anymore as many of them have been effectively put behind bars while others are facing prosecution. They are mainly responsible for heinous crimes in the State. We are aware some of them have moved their activities into the forests but even there, we would smoke them out. Arrangements have also been concluded with authorities of higher institutions and Students’ Unions to flush them out and restore the glory of the various institutions.”
CP Ogunjemilusi has again called on peace loving Akwa Ibomites to continue to collaborate with the police force for safety and security of live and property as the CP and his men are sworn to oath of responsibility. He appreciated the support of Force Headquarters, Abuja and gallant security operatives in their help to demystify terror in the state.
“We thank the Inspector General of Police and other security Chiefs for approving our joint operations and the State Government for supporting our efforts. We thank the gallant officers of the Police, SSS and the Military. Our appreciation goes to the good people of Akwa Ibom State who came up with useful information. Above all, we thank the Almighty God for the success of the operations and the safety of our officers and men.”
