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.

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.