Otobong Nsekpong

Ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Uyo on Friday November 6th, 2026, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has banned the flying of drones within Uyo metropolis.

The Police also banned the use of fire works and other explosives during the visit.

At a press conference addressed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, at the Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, the police also listed routes within the state capital that will be closed to the public during the visit of the president

The routes include Airport road, Shelter Afrique junction, Oron Road by Edet Akpan Avenue, Nung Oku junction, Mbierebe Junction and Godswill Akpabio International Stadium venue of the political rally.

According to the Police Boss, the command, together with other security agencies have put measures on ground to ensure a hitch free visit of Mr. President.

The Commissioner of Police appealed to residents to appreciate that these temporary restrictions are necessary security arrangements and not intended to inflict hardship on the public. He assured that the measures are being implemented in the overall interest of public safety and the successful conduct of the Presidential visit.

The command however regrets the inconveniences the blocked routes will cause members of the public and urged them to take alternative routes to avoid confrontation with security agencies.

The Police Commissioner also disclosed that the command had taken other measures to ensure a hitch free visit including a meeting with other political parties where it was agreed that there will be no other political rally for the two days the president will be in the state.

“Residents are urged to remain law-abiding, avoid restricted areas, comply with all lawful directives from security personnel and promptly report any suspicious movement or security concern to the nearest police station or through established police emergency channels”

The President during the visit will commission projects executed and completed by the administration of Pastor Umo Eno and is expected to also address All Progressives Congress rally at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspected Ekpo masquerade participants for allegedly terrorising members of the public, extorting money from passers-by and assaulting innocent persons in parts of Ikot Ekpene.

The arrests were made on 26th October, 2026, at about 1800 hours, along the Ukana/Abak Highway, during an operational show of force.

The suspects, identified as Ine Isong, aged 29, of Ukana Ikot Esoh Village, and Emmanuel Ekpenyong, aged 20, of Ikono Local Government Area, were allegedly found in possession of Ekpo masquerade costumes and attire, machetes, spears and arrows.

Preliminary reports indicate that the suspects and other persons allegedly involved in the activities had been terrorising residents and extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public. Reports further indicate that some innocent persons, particularly women, were assaulted in the process.

Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident and identify any other persons connected to the alleged offences.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare fsi, reiterates that the Command will not tolerate the use of cultural practices or masquerade activities as a cover for criminality, intimidation, extortion or violence against members of the public. While respecting lawful cultural traditions, the Command remains resolute in ensuring that no individual or group takes the law into their own hands or threatens the peace and security of residents.

A Press statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities and acts of criminality to the Police, as the Command intensifies efforts to maintain law and order across the State.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested Wisdom Effiong, 27, in connection with series of alleged machete attacks and robberies in Uyo, following information and reports circulated on social media.

The suspect, a native of Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State and a resident of Ikot Okubo Village, Uyo Local Government Area, was arrested in connection with the alleged attacks targeting women.

According to a Press Statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in the course of investigation, the Police also arrested Yakub Abdullah ‘M’ of Udi Street, Uyo, who is alleged to have received some of the items reportedly stolen during the attacks. Preliminary investigation indicates that the stolen items were handed over to him by the machete attack suspect.

Items recovered in connection with the investigation include one machete, a woman’s handbag, one Tecno POP 5 Android phone, one iPhone 11, one Remi Android phone, and three power banks.

So far, seven women have identified Wisdom Effiong as the person who allegedly attacked and robbed them, while investigation is ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other possible victims or accomplices.

The Command is therefore appealing to anyone who may have been attacked or robbed in connection with the incidents to come forward and report to the Police Public Relations Unit, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, or the nearest Police Station. Such reports will assist the Command in identifying additional victims and strengthening the ongoing investigation.

The suspects remain in Police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, appreciates members of the public for providing information that assisted the Police in apprehending the suspects and urges residents to continue to promptly report suspicious activities and criminal incidents to the Police.