Police kill notorious Akwa Ibom kidnap kingpin

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have neutralised a notorious kidnapping kingpin and leader of the Bling Bling Marine Strike Force, one Ubong Effiong Archibong, alias ‘Condiment.’

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo, the state capital, titled “Notorious Kidnap Kingpin/Sea Pirate Meets Waterloo” on Thursday.

She stated that the suspect was killed in a gun battle with operatives of the Command at his hideout in Uyanga Community, Cross River State, and a G3 rifle with ammunition was recovered from him.

According to the statement, the suspect was responsible for the kidnapping of High Court Judge, Joy Unwana, and the killing of her police orderly, Inspector ThankGod Edet, last year.

Other kidnapping cases linked to the slain suspect include the gruesome murder of the CEO of Emem and Sons Nig. Ltd and the kidnapping of his sales representative and Pharmacist Joemel.

The statement read, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, on Wednesday, 28th August 2024, neutralised a dreaded kidnap kingpin/sea pirate whose stock-in-trade was to kidnap, kill, maim, and cause havoc in society.

“The kingpin, Ubong Effiong Archibong (M), alias ‘Condiment,’ a gang leader of the Bling Bling Marine Strike Force terrorising the Uruan/Oron waterways, was responsible for the kidnapping of High Court Judge, Joy Unwana, and the killing of her police orderly, Inspector ThankGod Edet, as well as the gruesome murder of the CEO of Emem and Sons Nig. Ltd. and the kidnapping of his sales representative.

“The suspect was also responsible for the kidnapping of Pharmacist Joemel, as well as the kidnapping of Mr Brown, CEO of Mingles Hotel.

“The suspect was neutralised during a gun battle with operatives of the Command at his hideout in Uyanga Community, Cross River State.

“One G3 rifle with four live rounds of ammunition was recovered from the suspect. The corpse of the suspect was recovered and deposited at the morgue. Investigations with the full intent to arrest other members of the gang are ongoing.”