Akwa Ibom Police Command Reels Out Emergency Numbers to the Public

 

The Akwa Ibom state police command has released emergency numbers to members of the public in its determination to bring crime to the barest minimum in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare fsi gave out the numbers during a press conference held at the command headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia.

I want to sincerely appreciate the good people of Akwa Ibom State for their continuous support and collaboration with the Police.
Akwa Ibomite are urged to report any suspicious movement or persons to the nearest Police Station or call any of the following emergency numbers:
08028916010
08020913810
09169839215
08039213071

The Police boss listed achievements of the command in the month of August 2025 to include arrest of armed robbery gang, arrest of kidnapping syndicate, arrest of car theft Syndicate, arrest of cultists, arrest of ritualist, arrest of human trafficker and rescuing of trafficked persons, arrest of oil bunkers and recovery of firearms and ammunition.

Below is the full text of the Commissioner of Police during the press conference.

PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, AKWA IBOM STATE POLICE COMMAND, CP BABA MOHAMMED AZARE, fsi HELD AT THE STATE POLICE HEADQUARTERS, IKOT AKPAN ABIA ON WEDNESDAY, 3RD SEPTEMBER, 2025

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press.

It is my pleasure to welcome you once again to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command Headquarters. This press briefing is to update you on the current security situation of Akwa Ibom State as well as highlighting the commands recent achievements.

It is worthy of note that these operational successes are not only testament of the commitment, diligence and professionalism of our Officers, but also collaborative efforts of the good people of Akwa Ibom State.
Below are some of the Command’s achievement recorded from 1st of August till date.

 

1. ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTISTS/ RECOVERY OF FIREARM AND AMMUNITION

On Thursday, July 31, 2025, at approximately 2:30PM, operatives of the Command successfully arrested two suspected cultists and recovered a firearm, ammunition, and other items during a raid on a hotel in Ikot-Udota, Eket LGA.
The command was acting on credible intelligence which indicated that expelled students and dropouts from a certain institution (name withheld) had formed criminal gangs and were engaging in a range of illicit activities—including extortion, rape, and cybercrime.
When operatives raided a hotel (name withheld), the operation led to the arrest of two suspects namely:
i. Uwemedimo Michael Udah, ‘M’ 29yrs old, from Uyo Local Government Area.
ii. Prince Emmanuel Amasi-Tito, ‘M’ 32yrs old, from Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State.

During the arrest, officers recovered the following items:
1. One English Beretta pistol with three rounds of 9mm live ammunition.
2. One laptop
3. Two Android phones
4. An MTN internet router
5. A cocktail of suspected drug concoctions
6. Three copies of power-of-attorney suspected to be stolen
Preliminary investigations indicate that the gang is led by two individuals, Etieno Gideon James and another suspect known only as “Ale,” who are currently at large. Effort is ongoing to arrest others that are at large. Suspects will have their day in Court.

 

2. SUSPECTED NOTORIOUS KIDNAPPER NEUTRALIZED/RECOVERY OF FIREARM

Based on intelligence reports, the police had been closely monitoring a group of kidnappers who had returned to the Mkpat Enin local government area.

The gang, which had been terrorizing residents from 2020 to 2023, was also allegedly responsible for the kidnap of a church founder in 2023. The suspects had been at large since that incident.

On August 2, 2025, at approximately 4:00 PM, the police received a report that the suspects were at a hideout in Ikot Umiang village, planning further kidnappings. A surveillance team was immediately dispatched to the location. Upon the team’s arrival, the criminals engaged them by firing shots. Fortunately, no police personnel was injured in the exchange.

In a swift response, operatives neutralized one of the kidnappers, later identified as John Ubong Akpan, a 27-year-old male from Ikot Umiang village. The other gang members fled the scene. A locally made pistol, one live cartridge, and one expanded cartridge were recovered at the hideout.

Akpan, who sustained bullet injuries, was taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead by medical Doctor.

3. ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTISTS, RAPISTS, AND ARMED ROBBERS
On June 26, 2025, a man (name withheld) reported that a group of armed individuals broke into his room at a Guest House (name withheld) in Abak, robbing him of his belongings and raping his female guest.
Acting on a firm directive from the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare fsi, operatives of the Command initiated an investigation. On July 30, 2025, at approximately 11:10 PM, detectives raided the criminals’ hideout, leading to the arrest of the following individuals:

1. Richard Edet Udo
2. Hope Unibong Anitie
3. Joseph Ibongidi
4. Christian Joseph Johnny
5. Joseph Joseph

During the raid, operatives recovered disturbing items from what appeared to be a shrine, including two coffins filled with women’s sanitary pads, pictures of people, and other fetish items. Suspects will be charged to Court accordingly

4. ARREST OF SUSPECTED NOTORIOUS CAR THEFT SYNDICATE/RECOVERY OF STOLEN VEHICLE AND INCRIMINATING ITEMS
This significant breakthrough follows an intensive investigation initiated after the recovery of a stolen vehicle on July 27, 2025.
Coming on the heels of discreet investigations, operatives on July 30, 2025, at approximately 4:30PM, arrested additional members of the syndicate, following leads provided by Otoabasi George Ime, ‘m’, 42 years old, of Use Abat Village in Ibiono Ibom LGA. George Ime was previously arrested in possession of a stolen vehicle, which sparked the wider investigation.
The arrested gang members include:
 Uwem Okon Umoh, ‘m’: Identified as the syndicate’s key fabricator.
 Umoh Joseph Essien, ‘m’: The group’s mechanic.
 Ukpong Jeremiah Udo, ‘m’: The syndicate’s electrician.
 Uchenna Peter Ihekandu, ‘m’: suspected buyer of stolen vehicles.
 Peter Madu Abuchi, ‘m’: Responsible for money transfers within the syndicate.

Upon searching the suspects, operatives recovered the following items:
1. Nine different car numbers plates
2. Four yards of army camouflage fabric and two face caps.
3. A Road Safety reflective jacket and face cap.
4. A file jacket containing various vehicle particulars.

All suspects have confessed to being responsible for the theft of nine vehicles. Efforts is ongoing to recover more vehicles.

5. RECOVERY OF STOLEN VEHICLE/ARRESTS OF SUSPECT

Further to a previous report dated August 6, 2025, detailing the arrest of a syndicate, Operatives of the Command have continued their efforts to recover more stolen vehicles.
On August 13, 2025, at 1600 hours, police action led to the arrest of Otoabasi George Ime, a male suspect found in possession of a Toyota Camry with registration number BGM 934 DA. This vehicle has been confirmed as one of the stolen cars connected to the previously apprehended syndicate.
The Command is intensifying its efforts to recover the remaining stolen vehicles.

6. RECOVERY OF STOLEN VEHICLE
On Monday, August 5, 2025, at approximately 5:30 PM, Operatives of the Command recovered a coffee brown Toyota Carina E with registration number UYY 351 DA along Aba Road, opposite the former SUA Hotel in Ikot Ekpene. The vehicle is suspected to be one of the cars stolen recently from the premises of a Hospital in Uyo. The suspect, upon noticing the police presence, abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. Efforts are currently underway to identify and apprehend the suspect.

7. ARREST OF A SUSPECTED RITULIST/RECOVERY OF FIREARM

On July 29, 2025, at approximately 18:51 hours, Operatives acting on credible intelligence, apprehended One Cletus Effiong Bassey, a 30-year-old male, at his shrine in Nung Oku Village, Uruan LGA. Bassey is suspected of being involved in ritualistic activities, including providing native charms and “bullet repellers” to armed robbers.
A subsequent search of his compound led to the recovery of one fabricated single-barrel gun.
8. ARRERST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERY SYNDICATE/RECOVERY OF FIREARMS.

The operation was initiated following the neutralization of one of the gang leaders during a foiled robbery attempt and the subsequent apprehension of the overall gang leader who was found in hiding in Imo State. The gang leader’s confession provided critical information that led police to their operational base.

At approximately 02:30AM on August 8, 2025, a team of operatives launched a raid on the syndicate’s hideout located in Ikot Osong village, Obot Akara Local Government Area. This location also served as a shrine where the suspects reportedly fortify themselves before their operations.

The following seven individuals were arrested at the scene:
1. David Effiong Silas aka “Davido,” (male, 29)
2. Etido Udo Lazarus (male, 26)
3. Etimbuk Thursday Udofia (female, 25)
4. Ime Effiong Silas aka “Udo Doctor,” (male, 27)
5. Joseph John Nelson (male, 31)
6. Nduese Solomon John (male, 32)
7. Imo Effiong Udofia (male, 22)
Items recovered from the operation include:
1. One locally made, cut-to-size double-barrel gun
2. Two expanded cartridges and one live cartridge
3. One live 7.62 mm AK-47 ammunition
4. Five motorcycles
5. One bicycle
6. Three face masks
7. Two power banks
8. Multiple mobile phones
9. ⁠A police-crested cap
10. Army camouflage cap
11. Suspected Charms and a liquid substance used for native protection

9. ARREST OF SUSPECTED NOTORIOUS ARMED ROBBER/RECOVERY OF FIREARM

On August 9, 2025, at approximately 11:00pm, Operatives of the Command successfully neutralized a suspected notorious armed robbery gang leader, Imoh Gavin Akpan, ‘m’, from Ikot Uboh village. Akpan, who had been a key figure in numerous armed robberies and acts of terror in Ikot Ekpene and its surrounding areas, was shot during an exchange of gunfire with police.

The operation began when Akpan, who was in police custody, led the team to a hideout in Mbiaso village that served as the gang’s armory. Upon arrival, the police were met with gunfire from other gang members. During the ensuing shootout, Akpan attempted to escape and was hit by a bullet. He was immediately rushed to the Hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival by a medical doctor. His body has been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for an autopsy.

From the scene, Operatives recovered a locally made shotgun, two expended cartridges, and one live cartridge.
10. ARREST OF FAKE MEDICAL DOCTOR FOR ADMINISTERING UNAPPROVED SUBSTANCES TO RESIDENTS

A fake medical doctor who parades himself as an ophthalmologist has been arrested for allegedly administering a mixture of unapproved substances to hundreds of people in Ikot Akpan Itam, Ikot Abasi Itam, and Nung Ikot Itam in Itu LGA.

On Thursday, August 14, 2025, at approximately 12:05 PM, Operatives of the Command received a tip from a concerned citizen regarding a man who was reportedly treating eye defects with unapproved substances. The suspect, identified as Gabriel Gideon from Nsit Ubium, was apprehended.

Gideon confessed to not being a qualified ophthalmologist. He allegedly assembled over 300 people in each village, charging them ₦500 to administer a concoction of olive oil, juice, and water as a cure for various eye conditions. Suspect will have his day in Court.

11. ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBER/RECOVERY STOLEN ITEMS
Acting on credible intelligence, Operatives of the Command apprehended the suspect, one Inima Sunday Akpan, a male from Abak Itiat Ikwuk Village in Ini Local Government Area, who had been in hiding in Ibiaku Village near Uyo City Polytechnic. Akpan has an history of involvement in multiple armed robbery cases, including recent incidents in Ikot Otor, Ikot Uboh, and Ikot Osurua, where a lawyer (name withheld) was shot and several others were injured. Other members of his gang have already been apprehended.
A search of Akpan’s hideout at the time of his arrest yielded several items suspected to be stolen, including:
1. One new Daylong motorcycle (originally red, repainted black)
2. One 32-inch Itec television
3. One LG home theater/sound system
4. One amplifier
During interrogation, Akpan confessed to the crimes.
12. POLICE FOILED KIDNAP ATTEMPT/ARREST OF SUSPECTS AND RECOVERY OF FIREARMS

On August 16, 2025, at approximately 9:15PM, Operatives of the command in a joint operation successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a cache of weapons.
The police command received a distress call from a concerned citizen about a suspected kidnapping on Factory Road, Afia Nsit, Eket. Operatives immediately mobilized and responded to the scene.
The victim (name withheld) was rescued. He told the Police he was about to drive into his home when four men attempted to force their way into his vehicle. The commotion and prompt arrival of the joint team caused the assailants to flee the scene.
A pursuit was initiated, leading to the arrest of two suspects: one Okon Edem Okon, a resident of Oyoku, Urue-Offong/Oruko LGA, and Emmanuel Bassey, a resident of Udung-Uko LGA.
Following the arrest, Operatives conducted a further search of an uncompleted building in a nearby bush, where they recovered a sack bag containing a significant cache of weapons and other items. The recovered items include:
1. One AK-47 rifle with 15 rounds of ammunition and 3 magazines.
2. One assault rifle with 52 rounds of ammunition and 3 magazines.
3. One pump-action shotgun with 6 live cartridges.
4. One Redmi 14C phone.
5. A head warmer, charms, and a pair of black rubber sandals.
Efforts are ongoing to arrest fleeing suspects. Suspects will have their days in Court

 

13. ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERY SYNDICATE/RECOVERY OF FIREARM

On August 12, 2025, at approximately 0700 hours, a a 32-year-old female resident of Sampson Akpan Street, Uyo, reported to the police that while on a morning walk along Believers Assembly Road by Udo Udoma Avenue, she was accosted by two armed men on a black motorcycle. The suspects pointed a locally-made pistol at her, threatened her life, and robbed her of an iPhone 12 Pro valued at N650,000.
Further investigation revealed that this same criminal syndicate had robbed at least five other citizens on the same date and was responsible for multiple armed robberies during early morning hours in the city.
Through discreet investigations, Operatives of the Command successfully arrested one Ubong Michael Patrick, a 27-year-old indigene of Ikpa Ibiono community in Ibiono Ibom LGA. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime and led the police to arrest two other members of the gang: one Ibrahim Kanu, 20yrs, a native of Gorore community in Adamawa State, and Nazipi Dahiru, 25yrs, a native of Gombe State. Both men are residents of ‘Nassarawa’, a community in Itam, Itu LGA.
The following items were recovered from the suspects:
1. One black operational motorcycle
2. One locally-made pistol
3. One long dagger knife

Preliminary findings indicate that the stolen phones were packaged and transported to Kano State for sale to unsuspecting buyers. Efforts are currently underway to recover the stolen items.

 

14. RESCUE OF 20 GHANAIANS TRAFFICKED VICTIMS
On August 18, 2025, Operatives of the Command successfully rescued 20 Ghanians trafficked to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The human trafficking victims were rescued from a compound in Obio Etoi village, Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State after an operation that was a collaborative effort following a formal request for assistance from the Ghana Police Service and INTERPOL.

Acting on credible information, Operatives, surrounded a well-fenced building at approximately 1617 hours on Monday, August 18, 2025. The raid led to the rescue of 10 males and 10 females (names withheld), all confirmed to be Ghanaian nationals.

The victims presently appear disoriented and have been unable to provide useful information, leading investigators to suspect they may have been hypnotized.

15. ARREST OF SUSPECTED NOTORIOUS HUMAN TRAFFICKER

On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at approximately 9:30 AM, Operatives of the Command arrested a notorious human trafficker, Alex Omosivie, a 47-year-old male from Edo State.

The arrest was made following reliable intelligence that Mr. Omosivie frequently came to Uyo to traffic young women to various African countries for prostitution and other illicit activities. Acting on credible information, a surveillance team located and apprehended the suspect at a hotel on Ring Road 3, Uyo (name withheld)

During the arrest, police rescued two victims (name withheld)

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, a deportee from an African country, had recently trafficked two other young women: Odo Asuquo Asuquo, 18, to Libya in July 2025, and Glory Asuquo Asuquo, 16, to Burkina Faso on August 18, 2025.

The suspect has confessed to the crime, admitting he was paid ₦50,000 per victim. The parents of the victims who were already trafficked have been contacted to provide statements.

16. ARREST OF SUSPECTED ILLICIT DRUG DEALER Based on credible information, Operatives of the Command conducted a series of raids on several suspected illicit drug black spots within the Uyo metropolis at approximately 10:00PM on Monday, August 18, 2025.
The coordinated operation led to the arrest of four male suspects namely: Gideon Patrick Edet ‘m’ Paul Joseph Effiong ‘m’ Mfon Cletus Ikpe ‘m’ Gideon Edet Etim ‘m’ A large quantity of suspected illicit drugs and substances suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered.

17. ARREST OF SUSPETED KIDNAPPERS

Following a painstaking intelligence-gathering operation, Operatives of the Command in a joint operation, apprehended two individuals on August 22, 2025, around 1:00AM. The suspects have been identified as Victor Bassey Tom, a resident of Uqua Isi Edoho, Esit Eket Local Government Area, and Nelson Samuel of Okorotip, Ibeno Local Government Area.
Victor Bassey Tom who is popularly known by his two aliases “Igbo Man” and “Mami” was identified by an earlier arrested suspect as the mastermind behind the failed kidnapping attempt. He has confessed to being part of the gang that recently kidnapped two top businessmen in Eket. He has been linked to several other kidnapping incidents within the Eket area.
On the other hand, Nelson Samuel is the boat operator who conveys the criminals and their victims to their creek.
Both suspects have been taken into custody for further investigation.

18. ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTISTS/RECOVERY OF FIREARMS

On Monday, August 25, 2025, at approximately 0400 hours, Operatives of the Command while conducting an investigation into a case of stealing, arrested two suspected cultists in Ikpe Usung Ita, Obot Akara Local Government Area.

The suspects, identified as Emmanuel Udo Ukut, 41yrs and Marshall Asuquo John, 42yrs, were apprehended during a targeted operation to recover stolen phones and arrest individuals linked to the crime.

A search of the suspects led to the recovery of several items, including:

1. One single-barrel den gun
2. Three live cartridges
3. One expanded cartridge
4. A black beret with cult insignia
5. A black hood suspected to be used as a facemask
6. A black belt
7. Three mobile phones: a Tecno Spark 30, a Vivo Y15s, and a small Itel phone
8. A black nylon bag containing substance suspected to be gunpowder

Suspects will have their days in Court

19. ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTISTS/RECOVERY OF FIREARM AND HUMAN SKULL

On August 28, 2025, Operatives of the Command arrested seven suspects in connection with a cult-related assault, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm and human skull.

The arrests followed a report received on August 25, 2025, from a student of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, that he was ambushed and attacked with dangerous weapons along Ikot Osurua by members of a proscribed cult group known as the Ku Klux Klans Confraternity. The victim, who had reportedly renounced his membership of the group, was left unconscious with severe injuries. The assailants also stole his Redmi 13C Android phone and ₦41,000 in cash.

Acting on the report, police gathered intelligence and launched an operation that led to the arrest of seven suspects:
1. Douglas Ambe Esikhene
2. Stephen Asukwo Effiong
3. Saviour Dany Akpan
4. Emmanuel Friday Umoh
5. Augustine Uduak Okon
6. Mary Ating Asukwo
7. Itohowo Christopher Uko

Suspects will have their days in Court

20. ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTISTS/RECOVERY OF FIREARMS
On Saturday, August 31, 2025, at approximately 8:30PM, Operatives of the Command successfully recovered illegal firearms and arrested two individuals following an intelligence-led operation.

Acting on a credible information, Operatives moved to Ikot Obio Ekpong village in Mkpat Enin LGA where they successfully raided a suspected cult hideout. During the operation, the team recovered three locally-made pistols.

Two male suspects were apprehended:
1. Godwin Udo Sunday, 35yrs
2. Utibe Akpan, 32yrs

Suspects will be charge to Court
21. ARREST OF SUSPECTED VANDALS

In a joint operation, a combined team of Akwa Ibom State Police, military, and local vigilante members arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the attempted vandalism of an electricity transformer. The incident occurred at approximately 2:00AM on August 24, 2025, in Ikot Idim village, Ika Local Government Area.
The arrests were the result of credible intelligence received on August 23, 2025, which indicated that a criminal gang specializing in the theft and vandalism of government and private properties was planning to enter Akwa Ibom State.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Collins Ekwelu Ekene, a 37-year-old male from Orlu, Isu Local Government Area in Imo State, and Elijah Edet John, a 36-year-old male from Obot Idem village, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, who resides in Rivers State.
Upon arrival at the scene, the joint security team successfully ambushed the suspects as they attempted to dismantle an electricity transformer. Three other suspects managed to escape into a nearby bush.
The following items were recovered from the scene:
1. Two gas cylinders
2. A towing chain
3. Two iron cutters
4. An oxygen nozzle
5. Two long constructive iron pipes
6. Two mobile phones

Both suspects have confessed to the crime. An investigation is ongoing to locate and apprehend the three individuals who fled the scene.

22. ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTIST/RECOVERY OF FIREARM

On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at approximately 0517 hours, Operatives of the Command successfully raided a criminal hideout in Itak Village, Ikono Local Government Area.
Credible intelligence led to the arrest of one Emmanuel Emmanuel Anthony, a 26-year-old male, who is suspected to be a member of a cult group.
During the search, Operatives recovered the following items from the suspect:
1. One locally fabricated pistol
2. An Ekpo masquerade mask
3. A bag containing items suspected to be charms
23. ARREST OF SUSPECTED NOTORIOUS VANDALISM AND ROBBERY SYNDICATE

On August 18, Operatives responded to a tip regarding the theft of armored cables from the Water Company’s property on Brooks Street in Uyo. The police team quickly mobilized, leading to the apprehension of two suspects at the scene: Itoro Moses David and Patrick Effiom.
Following their arrest, the suspects confessed to the crime and provided information that led to the subsequent arrest of a third individual on August 21. The third suspect, identified as Edidiong Edet Edet, is believed to be a suspected notorious member of the criminal gang.
The stolen armored cables have been recovered. The police are continuing their investigation, and efforts are currently underway to arrest more individuals involved in the syndicate.
The suspects will be arraigned in court.

SUMMARY OF MAJOR CASES
1. Armed Robbery – 7
2. Murder – 2
3. Cultism – 15
4. Vandalism – 3
5. Burglary/stealing – 3
6. Stolen Vehicle Recovered – 4
7. Human Trafficking – 2
8. Number of human trafficker victims rescued – 22
9. Number of recovered vehicles – 4
10. Other Crimes – 13
Total – 75

FIREARMS/AMMUNITION RECOVERED
1. Number of AK47 Riffle – 1
2. Number of English berretta pistol – 1
3. Number of pump action – 1
4. Number of double barrel cut to size locally made gun – 1
5. Number of single barrel/cut-to-size guns recovered – 1
6. Number of single barrel dane gun recovered – 1
7. Number of locally made pistols recovered – 14
8. Number of Kidnapped victims rescued – 2
Total number of Firearms recovered – 19
Total number of ammunitions recovered – 104

 

SUSPECTS ARRESTED
1. Number of Suspected Armed Robbers arrested – 12
2. Number of Suspected kidnappers arrested – 6
3. Number of Murder suspects arrested – 1
4. Number of Suspected cultists arrested – 18
5. Number of Suspected Vandals arrested – 5
6. Number of Suspected burglary/stealing suspect – 1
7. Other crimes – 20
Total number of suspects arrested – 63

I want to sincerely appreciate the good people of Akwa Ibom State for their continuous support and collaboration with the Police.
Akwa Ibomite are urged to report any suspicious movement or persons to the nearest Police Station or call any of the following emergency numbers:
08028916010
08020913810
09169839215
08039213071

Thank you all for your attention.

CP Baba Mohammed Azare fsi,
Commissioner of Police Akwa Ibom State Police Command.