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.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its sustained efforts to combat criminality, protect critical infrastructure and safeguard lives and property across the State.

At about 0311 hours on 1st October 2026, the Command received credible information that suspected criminals had vandalised a community transformer in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area and carted away several components in a tricycle before transferring the stolen items into a red minibus.

Acting swiftly on the information, operatives of the Command mobilised and intercepted the suspected vehicle along the Etinan route. During the ensuing pursuit, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the Police before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing into a nearby bush.

A coordinated search operation was immediately launched, with valuable assistance from members of the community. At about 0514 hours, two suspects were arrested. They were identified as Chinedu Onwe, 31, male, of Ikwo LGA, Ebonyi State, and Enobong Jonah, 35, male, of Otoro Abak Village, Abak LGA, Akwa Ibom State.

Items recovered during the operation include three large transformer solenoids, one live cartridge, assorted electrical tools, one large steel cutter, one Tecno mobile phone, one tricycle allegedly used to convey the vandalised components, and a red minibus with registration number ABIA 986 SSM.

In a separate operation, the Command successfully rescued victims of an alleged sea piracy and abduction incident along the waterways of Ibeno Local Government Area.

At about 0700 hours on 30th September 2026, information was received that a group of fishermen, including a Ghanaian national, had been attacked and abducted by suspected sea pirates while travelling towards the Atlantic Ocean.

Personnel of the Asawana Mobile Police Base were immediately mobilised to the area. The operatives subsequently encountered the suspected pirates around the ocean boundary between Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.

The suspected pirates eventually abandoned their boat and escaped into a nearby creek, while the Police successfully rescued the victims unharmed.

Items recovered from the scene include one 200HP outboard engine, one 40HP outboard engine with a W23 flying boat, five 40HP outboard engines, three 9.9HP outboard engines, five containers of mixed PMS, four empty containers, three gas cylinders, mobile phones, 29 SIM cards, one power bank, one starter motor battery, one torchlight and an identity card bearing a NIN number, among other items.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, mnipr, commended the officers and men involved in both operations for their courage, professionalism, vigilance and prompt response.

The Commissioner equally appreciated members of the affected communities whose timely information and cooperation contributed significantly to the successes recorded, stressing that effective policing remains a shared responsibility between the Police and the public.

CP Azare warned individuals and criminal networks involved in the vandalisation of critical infrastructure, sea piracy, abduction and other forms of violent crime that the Command will continue to identify, pursue and bring offenders to justice within the ambit of the law.

He further reiterated that all suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The Command therefore urges residents of Akwa Ibom State to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to the Police through appropriate channels. Members of the public are also strongly advised not to confront suspected criminals or take the law into their own hands, but to promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the Police.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crime, maintaining public order, and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has warned individuals, companies and organized syndicates involved in unlawful extraction, processing or transportation of mineral resources to desist immediately or face decisive law enforcement action.

The renewed offensive follows intelligence reports indicating the existence of suspected unauthorized mining and excavation activities in some parts of the State, with attendant concerns over environmental degradation, economic sabotage, public safety and other security implications.

Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical teams and intelligence formations across the State to increase surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement around suspected illegal mining locations.

According to a Press statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the directive includes the identification of unauthorized mining sites, profiling of persons and organizations connected with such activities, monitoring of the movement of mining equipment and mineral resources, and the investigation of individuals reasonably suspected of operating outside the provisions of the law.

The Commissioner of Police warned that the Command will not allow Akwa Ibom State to become a haven for illegal mining activities or for criminal networks seeking to exploit the State’s natural resources for personal gain.

According to the CP, illegal mining does not only deprive government and communities of legitimate economic benefits, but can also lead to the destruction of farmlands, environmental pollution, erosion, contamination of water sources, unsafe excavation sites and other hazards capable of endangering residents.

Of particular concern to the Command is the possibility that unregulated mining sites could provide cover for other criminal activities, including the movement of suspicious persons, trafficking, unlawful possession of dangerous weapons and the concealment of criminal proceeds.

The Police Command is therefore adopting a coordinated approach, working with relevant Federal and State Government agencies responsible for mining regulation, environmental protection and related matters to ensure that enforcement actions are properly targeted.

CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has directed officers involved in the operation to act professionally, responsibly and strictly within the confines of the law, while ensuring that genuine and duly licensed mining operators are not unnecessarily disrupted.

The Commissioner of Police wishes to make it clear that the Command’s action is not targeted at legitimate businesses. Individuals and companies with valid licences and approvals who operate in accordance with applicable laws and regulations have nothing to fear.

However, persons found engaging in mining activities without the appropriate authorization, or those who aid, sponsor, finance, conceal or provide logistical support for unlawful mining operations, will be thoroughly investigated and, where sufficient evidence exists, prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Traditional rulers, village heads, community leaders, youth leaders, landowners and residents are also strongly advised to exercise due diligence before allowing individuals or organizations access to community lands for mining or excavation purposes.

Communities are urged to verify the identities, licences and approvals of persons seeking to undertake mining activities within their areas and to promptly report suspicious operations to the Police or appropriate regulatory agencies.

The Command particularly encourages members of the public to report unusual excavation activities, movement of heavy-duty mining equipment, suspicious transportation of mineral resources and the sudden establishment of mining camps in locations where such operations have not previously been known to exist.

The Commissioner of Police assured the public that credible information provided to the Command will be treated with appropriate confidentiality.

He further cautioned residents against confronting suspected illegal miners or taking the law into their own hands, stressing that all reports should be forwarded to the Police for professional investigation and necessary action.

The Command will continue to conduct intelligence-led operations aimed at identifying illegal mining locations, dismantling unlawful networks and bringing offenders to justice.

CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has reiterated that the protection of lives, property, natural resources and the economic interests of Akwa Ibom State remains a priority of the Command.

He therefore called for the cooperation of all stakeholders, emphasizing that the fight against illegal mining requires the collective responsibility of security agencies, regulatory bodies, traditional institutions, community leaders and members of the public.

“Akwa Ibom State will not be turned into a safe haven for illegal miners. Anyone who chooses to exploit the natural resources of the State outside the law should be prepared to face the consequences,” the Commissioner of Police warned.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to maintain law and order and to ensure that persons engaging in activities capable of threatening the security, environment and economic wellbeing of the State are held accountable.