NEWS
Akpabio Upbeat Banditry Will Be Defeated in New Year
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians to work towards a more peaceful and equitable country in 2026, declaring that banditry will be defeated in the new year and beyond.
He also enjoined Nigerians to set aside their differences, embrace peace and foster unity among their families, States and Nigeria as a whole. He said the nation can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.
He made this call during a prayer and fasting service organized in honor of the Akpabio family at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Ukana Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
A statement by the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, quoted Senator Akpabio as saying, “I want to wish all Nigerians a very prosperous and peaceful new year. I want to assure all Nigerians that the new year will usher in renewed peace in our country.”
Waxing philosophical, Akpabio said: “For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten son to be born as a man so as to redeem mankind. By the reason of the birth of Jesus Christ, Nigerians will be redeemed from banditry and insurgency in the new year and beyond.”
Senator Akpabio enjoined Nigerians irrespective of political leanings to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu in the fight against banditry and insurgency declaring that with the renewed collaboration with international partners, insurgency will be defeated.
Senator Akpabio highlighted the critical role of family in promoting peace and progress, emphasizing that unity is the foundation of collective success.
In her remarks, Wife of the Senate President, Her Excellency Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, encouraged family members to support one another selflessly, setting aside personal biases and live together in love.
Family head of the Greater Akpabio Family, Chief Ekan Akpabio urged family members to keep supporting Senator Akpabio as a great Ambassador of the Family, Essien Udim LGA and Akwa Ibom as a whole.
He appealed to family members holding political positions to remain connected to their roots and prioritize the welfare of their relatives.
The annual Prayer and Fasting Service, held every December 26, is a time for the Akpabio family to express gratitude and offer thanksgiving to God for His sustenance throughout the year while they also pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria.
Crime
TWO SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS LINKED TO MURDER AND KIDNAPPING IN ETINAN IN POLICE NET
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in the investigation into an armed robbery operation during which one person was murdered and another kidnapped at Ikot Itienang Village, Ekom Iman, Etinan Local Government Area, on July 12, 2026.
Following a petition on the incident addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, a team of detectives from the Command promptly commenced an intelligence-led investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending those responsible for the heinous crime.
The painstaking investigation according to a Press Statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, led to the arrest of two suspected members of the armed robbery gang identified as one Gospel Effiong, a.k.a. “Python,” and Solomon Okon, a.k.a. “Plane,”
In the course of the investigation, two other suspects were also arrested in connection with the crime. They are Musa Kabiru, a native of Plateau State, alleged to be a receiver of some of the stolen items, and Victor Dickson.
During the operation, the following items were recovered from the residence of one of the arrested suspects, Solomon Okon a.k.a. “Plane”:
* A locally made pistol with one cartridge;
* A large quantity of suspected Indian hemp;
* A red cap bearing the inscription “Supreme Red Skin Confraternity”;
* item suspected to be charm; and
* Other incriminating items relevant to the ongoing investigation.
The Command views the development as a major step forward in its efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for violent crimes and to bring perpetrators of murder, kidnapping and armed robbery to justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, Mnipr, commends the detectives for their diligence, professionalism and intelligence-led approach to the investigation.
The Commissioner reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that persons involved in violent crimes are identified, apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.
Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing the Police with credible and timely information that could assist in tracking down fleeing suspects and preventing criminal activities across the State.
Crime
Police arrests five drug dealers, recovers illicit drugs in Mbak Itam, Ikot Mbang
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced the arrest of five suspects over illicit drug related offences.

The command under the leadership of CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, recorded this significant operational breakthrough in its sustained efforts to rid the State of criminal hideouts, illicit drug activities and other forms of criminality.
In a statement made available to newsmen by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the operation was conducted in furtherance of the Commissioner of Police’s operation Zero Black Spot and sustained directive to deny criminals safe havens across the State.
Following credible intelligence received by operatives of the Command.
On 11 August 2026, at about 1600hrs, operatives of the Command conducted a targeted raid on a suspected criminal hideout at Mbak Itam, Ikot Mbang.
During the operation, five suspects believed to be involved in the illicit distribution and sale of controlled substances were arrested. They are:
1. Abraham Emmanuel (male)
2. Happiness Archibong (female)
3. Esther Okon (female)
4. Esther Udo (female)
5. Chinedu Benjamin (male)
Several other suspects fled the scene upon sighting the Police vehicle.
Items recovered from the suspects include large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, Tramadol, Loud, Ice, as well as the sum of ₦42,000.00, suspected to be proceeds connected to the illicit drug trade.
The Commissioner of Police has commended the operatives for their courage, vigilance and commitment to duty, while reiterating that the Command will continue to sustain intelligence-led operations against criminal elements, particularly those who exploit isolated locations as bases for drug trafficking, cultism and other violent crimes.
The Command wishes to make it unequivocally clear that there will be no safe haven for criminals in Akwa Ibom State. The ongoing Zero Black Spot initiative is aimed at identifying, disrupting and dismantling locations being used to facilitate criminal activities, while strengthening security and public confidence across communities.

The Command therefore calls on members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information that can assist the Police in preventing and detecting crime.
Crime
POLICE RECOVERS STOLEN HILUX, ARRESTS SUSPECTED CULTIST WITH THREE LIVE CARTRIDGES
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough in its sustained fight against cultism, vehicle theft and other criminal activities across the State.
According to a Press statement signed by DSP Timfon John and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Monday 10th August 2026, two men were sighted by Operatives of the command while on routine patrol on 7th August, 2026 at about 1500hrs in possession of a Toyota Hilux with black bonnet and registration number NYA 399 AA, earlier reported stolen the previous day 6 August 2026 at Udo Eduok Street, off Aka Road, Uyo.
On sighting the Police, the suspects fled and were pursued to a non-motorable road, where they abandoned the vehicle and escaped into the bush.
The owner, one Mr. Reginald, was contacted who subsequently identified the recovered vehicle as his property. The vehicle has been recovered and is currently undergoing investigation while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation at about 2330hrs the same day, operatives of the Command while conducting stop-and-search along Abak Road by the Federal Secretariat, Uyo, arrested one Emmanuel Emmanson, 21, of Mkpat Enin LGA, and recovered three live cartridges from him.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity and stated that the cartridges were intended for a cult initiation exercise in a bush.
The suspect remains in custody as investigation continues, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected unlawful group.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, commends the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism, and assures members of the public that the Command will sustain intelligence-led operations and other proactive policing strategies to protect lives and property.
The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles and activities to the Police.

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