Army kills notorious militants’ leader

Indigenes and residents of Akwa Ibom state rolled out drums yesterday to celebrate the killing of a notorious kidnap kingpin and militants’ leader, Akaninyene Jumbo alias Akpafid.

Our correspondent learnt that Jumbo fled the state to neighbouring Rivers State after the police declared him wanted over series of crimes including kidnappings, robbery, cultism and politically-motivated killings.

The Nation gathered that the dreaded hoodlum also terrorised other states in the South-south and Southeast.

The Nation gathered he was trailed to his hideout and killed in Omagwa, Rivers state when he engaged the military and the Special Squad drafted for the operation by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris in a gun duel.

His lifeless body was displayed at the military check point at Iwukem junction before taken to his hometown, Ikot Ibekwe village in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom for public view.

Indigenes of Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun local government areas believed respite will return to the troubled communities of Udianga Enem, Otoro, Uruk Ata 11, Ikpe, Okoyo, Ikot Udobong and Ikot Mkporikpo group of villages.

The deadly terrorist had laid siege to these communities forcing local dwellers to seek refuge in safer places including Iwukem, Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Etim Ekpo, Abak and other areas.

It was learnt Jumbo’s native doctor was captured some few days ago in Okirika, Rivers State.

Police spokesman Macdon Ogbeche, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP) confirmed the incident and appealed to the people to always give information on activities of suspected criminals and hoodlums in their neighbourhoods.