…RECOVERS SUSPECTED STOLEN ITEMS, ILLICIT DRUGS

In line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, to sustain the fight against cultism, illicit drug activities and other criminal acts in the State, operatives of the Ibeno Divisional Police Headquarters have arrested fifteen (15) suspects during a targeted raid on suspected cultists’ hideouts and identified black spots in Atia Coastal Village, Ibeno Local Government Area.

According to a Press statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the operation was conducted on 20th October, 2026, at about 1700 hours, following intelligence-led efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and curb cult-related activities within the area. The operation resulted in the arrest of the following suspects:
• Dominic, male, 35 years, alias “Don Sars,” of Esit Eket LGA;
• ⁠Ndifreke Paul, male, 29 years, alias “Black Satan,” of Onna LGA;
• ⁠Etim Oboho, male, 46 years, of Urue-Offong/Oruko LGA; and twelve (12) other suspects.

During preliminary interrogation, two of the suspects, Ubong Dominic, alias “Don Sars,” and Ndifreke Paul, alias “Black Satan,” allegedly confessed to membership of the Vikings and Iceland confraternities. Investigations are ongoing to establish their respective affiliations, determine their level of involvement in cult-related activities, and identify other persons connected to the suspected criminal networks.

Items recovered during the operation include wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp; substances suspected to be methamphetamine, popularly known as “Ice”; two (2) suspected stolen 8-horsepower outboard engines; one motorcycle bearing registration number KTS 346 WZ, suspected to be stolen; cult-related berets; items bearing Vikings inscriptions; bottles containing substances suspected to be charms; and five (5) mobile handsets.

While some of the suspects were arrested, others reportedly escaped into the surrounding creeks. The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover other possible exhibits.

The Commissioner of Police reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating cultism, drug-related offences and other criminal activities across Akwa Ibom State. He warns individuals and groups engaged in criminal activities to desist forthwith, as the Command will continue to deploy intelligence-led policing, targeted raids and other lawful operational strategies to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders.

The Command urges members of the public, community leaders and other stakeholders to support ongoing security efforts by providing credible and timely information to the Police. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through appropriate police channels.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command assures the public of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and security throughout the State.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant operational breakthrough in its sustained campaign against armed robbery, violent crime, and other criminal activities, following the arrest of a suspected armed robber and the recovery of firearms and other exhibits during an intelligence-led operation in Ifa Atai community.

In a Press statement signed and released to journalists in Uyo by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, reports that on the 19th day of October 2026, at about 1900 hours, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Akwa Ibom State Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, received information concerning suspected armed robbers allegedly responsible for robbing and terrorizing residents of Ifa Atai and its surrounding communities. The suspects were reportedly sighted brandishing weapons in what was suspected to be an attempt to attack an unsuspecting member of the public.

Demonstrating operational alertness and a swift response to the intelligence received, the operatives immediately moved to an identified hotel within Ifa Atai, where the suspects were allegedly hiding and smoking substances suspected to be hard drugs.

The operation resulted in the arrest of one Ifiok Owoidem, male, aged 26 years, an indigene of Okon Ikot Essien Village in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. However, one other suspect currently at large is being sought by the operatives.

A search conducted in the arrested suspect’s room led to the recovery of the following exhibits:

1. Two locally made pistols.
2. One expanded cartridge.
3. Two machetes.
4. Bottles containing substances suspected to be charms or juju.

Efforts is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect, as the Command intensifies its efforts to identify and dismantle criminal networks operating within the State.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, reiterates the Command’s firm resolve to confront criminality decisively through intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, strategic deployment of operatives, and sustained collaboration with members of the public.

The Command calls on residents of Ifa Atai, and other parts of Akwa Ibom State to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements, illegal possession of firearms, and other activities capable of endangering public safety. Members of the public are encouraged to provide useful information through the nearest police station or established police reporting channels.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reassures the public that the fight against armed robbery and other violent crimes remains a priority. It urges residents to continue their lawful activities without fear while maintaining cooperation with the Police in the collective effort to sustain peace and security throughout the State.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another operational success in its ongoing efforts to rid the state of illicit drugs, criminal elements and other activities threatening public safety, with the arrest of two suspects in separate incidents in Uyo, alongside the recovery of suspected illicit drugs and cable wires.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to the directives of the Inspector-General of Police and the ongoing operational strategy against identified black spots and illicit drug networks across the state.

In a Press Statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, indicates that on the 14th October 2026, at about 9:30 p.m., operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence regarding the alleged sale of illicit drugs along Aka Itiam Street, Uyo Local Government Area, swiftly mobilised to the location. The operation led to the arrest of one Gideon David, male. A search conducted on the suspect resulted in the recovery of a large quantity of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.

The suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue to establish the full extent of his alleged involvement and identify other persons connected to the activity.

In a separate incident on the same date, at about 2:57 p.m., detectives were dispatched following a distress call received from the Control Room concerning an alleged theft at a certain Company, located at Udoduoma by Tropicana, Uyo. The operatives responded promptly and arrested one Godwin Paulinus, male, in connection with the alleged offence. Cable wires were recovered from the suspect’s bag during a search, and investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether other persons were involved.

These arrests underscore the Command’s proactive intelligence-led policing approach and its determination to prevent criminal activities, disrupt the distribution of illicit substances and protect individuals, businesses and property throughout Akwa Ibom State.

The Command’s intensified operations under the ongoing initiative against black spots and illicit drugs remain in progress. Discreet investigations have commenced, while efforts are being sustained to identify and apprehend other suspects who may be connected to the offences.

The Commissioner of Police urges residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, drug-related activities and other criminal conduct to the nearest police station or through established police reporting channels. He assures members of the public that all credible information will be treated with the necessary confidentiality and acted upon professionally.

The Command further reiterates that it remains resolute in its mission to sustain peace, strengthen public confidence and ensure that Akwa Ibom State remains safe for residents, visitors and legitimate businesses.