The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant operational breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on drug trafficking, substance abuse and other criminal activities, following a purposeful, intelligence-led raid conducted by operatives of the Command.

The operation, carried out in compliance with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, was conducted between 0300hrs and 0600hrs on 12th November, 2026, at Market Square, Access Road, Ete-Okopedi Road and other identified black spots within Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.

According to a press statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the coordinated operation resulted in the arrest of three male suspects, identified as Emmanuel Thompson, 21yrs, Isaac Monday, 24yrs, Victor Etukakpan, 25yrs.

A thorough search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of several exhibits suspected to be connected with the illicit drug trade and other unlawful activities. These include a manual grinder containing seeds suspected to be Indian hemp; a transparent pack containing substances suspected to be hard drugs; sixteen (16) pieces of white substances suspected to be hard drugs; two cards of Tramadol capsules containing eight and three capsules respectively; and approximately thirty (30) wraps of dried weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.

Other items recovered include one sealed white sachet containing an unidentified Chinese product, three Android mobile phones, one 20,000mAh itel power bank, a Type-C charging cord, two small torchlights, a bottle of oil perfume, two empty 200ml Action Bitters containers, a pack of small transparent envelopes suspected to be used for packaging illicit substances, a damaged hand chain, a blue sponge in a blue cup, and the sum of ₦27,200 (Twenty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred Naira) only.

The suspects are currently undergoing screening and profiling, while preliminary investigations are being intensified to establish their respective levels of involvement, trace possible links to other drug distribution networks and identify additional locations being used as hideouts or operational bases for illicit drug activities.

The Commissioner of Police reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, eliminating drug distribution channels and ensuring that identified black spots do not become safe havens for criminal elements. He has further directed that intelligence gathering, targeted surveillance and sustained operational raids be strengthened across the State to deny criminals the space and opportunity to operate.

The press statement urges members of the public to provide credible and timely information to the Police, as community cooperation remains indispensable to the successful prevention and detection of crime.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property, enforce the law and ensure that all residents can live and conduct their legitimate activities in a safe and secure environment.

…Honours Four Distinguished Nigerians

– Nsikak Esenowo

The University of Uyo (UNIUYO) is set to graduate 22,961 students at its 31st and 32nd Combined Convocation Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christopher Nyong Ekong, disclosed this on Monday, November 9, 2026, during a media briefing ahead of the ceremony covering the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions.

He said the graduands comprise 19,217 Bachelor’s degree holders, 814 diploma recipients, 248 certificate graduates and 2,682 postgraduate students. The Bachelor’s degree category includes 214 First Class graduates, 7,216 Second Class Upper, 10,468 Second Class Lower, 917 Third Class and 402 Pass graduates.

Professor Ekong also announced that four distinguished Nigerians will receive honorary degrees in recognition of their contributions to national development. They are Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas; Chairman of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo; Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; and Chairman of Ubotex Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ubong Obot.

Reflecting on his first 100 days in office, the Vice-Chancellor said his administration was focused on restoring academic excellence, improving infrastructure, strengthening research and repositioning the University for greater relevance.

He highlighted the processing of 1,810 academic transcripts, introduction of a 72-hour turnaround policy for transcript requests, approval of second-semester results for the 2025/2026 session and the return of undergraduate and Direct Entry admissions to faculties and departments to promote transparency.

He also disclosed that the University had strengthened campus security and resolved a 39-year-old dispute with its host communities through constructive engagement.

On infrastructure, Professor Ekong listed the renovation of student hostels, rehabilitation of the Medical Campus Auditorium, renovation of the Central Administration Building and repair of the Main Campus entrance road among completed and ongoing projects. He added that 500 computers were expected to arrive soon to boost digital learning, while the UNIPOD Centre and other academic facilities were being expanded.

The Vice-Chancellor further announced the establishment of commercial ventures, including paint and block production companies and UNIUYO Farms Limited, to boost internally generated revenue. He said the University’s agricultural projects, including cassava, cocoa, plantain and oil palm plantations, as well as poultry and fish farms, had provided employment for over 200 residents.

On staff welfare, he said outstanding entitlements had been cleared, salaries maintained regularly, allowances paid from January to October 2026 and promotion arrears payment commenced in batches. He assured students of continued attention to their welfare, hostel facilities and campus security.

Professor Ekong reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance, accountability, digital transformation and improved staff and student welfare.

He appreciated the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, represented by the State Secretary, Comrade Nsikak Esenowo, for the Council’s collaboration with the University, noting that the partnership would enhance publicity for its programmes and opportunities

…says report by Leadership Newspaper misleading

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has denied the allegation of extortion by officers of the Command at various checkpoints within the state capital.

The Command considers the report malicious in its framing and intended to portray the Police in a bad light. It presents unverified allegations and an estimate from an unnamed retired officer as though they establish the facts about police conduct and deployment throughout Akwa Ibom State.

In a Press Statement signed and made available to journalists in Uyo, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, described the report as misleading and urges journalists to always verify their report before publication.
“For security and operational reasons, the Command does not consider it appropriate to disclose its detailed personnel strength or deployment information publicly. However, the estimate attributed to an anonymous retired officer is not even close to the Command’s actual strength and should not be presented as an authoritative figure.

“The presence of officers at checkpoints on major routes does not prove that communities elsewhere have been abandoned. Deployment is guided by prevailing security needs and operational assessments. The Command rejects the sweeping suggestion that it has neglected residents outside Uyo”

The Command urges journalists to verify facts concerning its operations with the appropriate authorities before publication. Speculation and reliance on views from retired officers who may no longer be abreast of current developments within the system can result in inaccurate reporting and mislead the public. The Command remains available to provide clarification on matters within its purview.

The Command takes specific complaints of extortion, intimidation or abuse of authority seriously. It maintains a Complaint Response Unit at the office of the Police Public Relations Department to receive, process and address complaints fairly. Members of the public who experience extortion are urged to report it to the Unit on 08102958982. They may also approach any senior police officer with a complaint at any time, as the contact numbers of senior officers in the Command are already in the public domain.

Complaints will be examined, and any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary and legal action. Allegations against individuals must be established through evidence and due process; they should not be presented as proof of routine misconduct by the entire Command.

The reported injury to the child is a serious matter. The Command previously announced that the officer allegedly involved was arrested and detained for investigation. The findings and outcome of the investigation will be made available to the public soon.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property across Akwa Ibom State and holding its personnel accountable.