The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another major operational breakthrough in its sustained onslaught against violent crime and the proliferation of illegal firearms across the State.

This follows the arrest of a suspected armed robber and the recovery of two locally made pistols and two machetes in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.

According to a press statement from the police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John,the arrest followed a swift response by Police operatives to a distress alert in the early hours of 14 September 2026.

“At about 0500 hours, operatives of the Command, while on vehicular patrol, received an emergency alert from the Command Control Room directing them to Ikot Ekweng Village, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, following a reported violent attack.

The patrol team immediately proceeded to the scene, where they met Inspector Henry, who reported that he had allegedly been attacked by one Ini Mfon.

According to preliminary information, the suspect allegedly attacked the officer with a machete while attempting to dispossess him of his tricycle. During the attack, the officer sustained an injury to his right hand.

Following the report, the operatives immediately launched a follow-up operation and successfully traced the suspect to his residence, where he was arrested.

A subsequent search of the premises led to the recovery of two locally made pistols and two machetes, allegedly found in his possession.

The recovery of the firearms and other dangerous weapons has opened further lines of investigation, as detectives are working to determine the source of the weapons, establish whether they had been used in previous criminal operations, and ascertain whether the suspect is connected to other criminal elements or syndicates operating within or outside Ibiono Ibom.

The suspect is currently in Police custody and assisting investigators, while the recovered weapons have been secured as exhibits.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the operatives for their prompt response, courage and professionalism, describing the arrest and recovery as another indication of the Command’s determination to take the battle against violent crime directly to criminal elements.

The CP warned that the Command would continue to intensify intelligence-led policing, targeted raids, aggressive patrols and other lawful security operations aimed at recovering illegal firearms and dismantling criminal networks across the State.

He further cautioned persons involved in armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and other violent crimes that Akwa Ibom State will not provide a safe haven for criminal elements.

The Commissioner of Police also urged members of the public to continue partnering with the Police by promptly reporting suspicious persons, criminal hideouts and the possession, movement or circulation of illegal firearms within their communities.

The Command assures members of the public that all credible information supplied to the Police will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Investigation is ongoing, and the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.

…AS POLICE RECOVERS TWO GUNS, STOLEN MOTORCYCLE, LAPTOPS AND CHARMS

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its ongoing intelligence-led operations against armed robbery and other violent crimes with the arrest of six suspected members and associates of an armed robbery gang operating within Ikono, Ini and Obot Akara Local Government Areas of the State.

The arrests were made in the early hours of today during a coordinated clearance operation conducted by Police operatives in identified criminal hideouts within the three Local Government Areas.

The operation, which was led by the officer in charge of the tactical team, followed sustained intelligence gathering and operational efforts aimed at dismantling the remaining members and associates of the criminal network responsible for a series of criminal activities, particularly the theft and disposal of motorcycles and other valuable items.

During the operation, six suspects were apprehended, including a suspected native doctor alleged to have been providing charms and other fetish preparations for members of the gang, as well as another suspect alleged to specialise in producing fake receipts used to facilitate the disposal and sale of suspected stolen motorcycles and other items.

The suspects arrested are:
1. Peter Sabbath, male, 34 years, native of Ikot Inyang Village, Ikot Ekpene LGA.
2. Joseph Udo, male, 25 years, native of Nung Ukim Ikot Okorie Village, Ikono LGA.
3. Victor Igwe, male, 23 years, native of Mbiabong Ukan Ikot Etefia Village, alleged to specialise in the production of fake receipts used to facilitate the sale of suspected stolen motorcycles.
4. Boniface Essiet, male, 37 years, of Ikot Akpan Ntim Village, Ikono LGA, alleged to be the native doctor providing charms and other fetish materials to members of the gang.
5. Simeon Udo, male, 47 years, of Itak Ikot Akpandem Village, Ikono LGA.
6. Uko Akang, male, of Asanting Village, who was arrested in possession of a suspected stolen red Qlink motorcycle, registration number AUQ 73 VC.
Items recovered during the operation include:

* Two single-barrel shotguns;
* Three laptops;
* One suspected stolen motorcycle;
* Local charms and other fetish items recovered from the shrine of the suspected native doctor; and
* Other materials relevant to the ongoing investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commends the operatives for their courage, professionalism and sustained commitment to intelligence-led policing. He has directed that the investigation be intensified with a view to establishing the suspects’ individual roles, recovering additional stolen property and apprehending other members or collaborators of the criminal network who may still be at large.

The Commissioner further reiterates that the Command will continue to adopt proactive and intelligence-driven strategies to identify criminal elements, disrupt their operational networks and bring perpetrators to justice.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to deny criminals safe havens and dismantle criminal networks operating within the State.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, AIG Rashid Afebua, psc, mnips, mspsp, has visited the Akwa Ibom State Command where he commended personnel for their dedication and discipline.

The visit formed part of the AIG’s supervisory engagement with formations under Zone 6 and provided an opportunity for direct interaction with personnel, assessment of the Command’s operational posture and reinforcement of the professional standards expected of officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

Receiving the AIG and his entourage, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, warmly welcomed the distinguished police officer and described the visit as significant and timely.

The Commissioner highlighted the Command’s efforts in tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, drug-related offences, violent crimes and other emerging security challenges through intelligence-led operations, proactive policing, visibility patrols, community engagement and collaboration with sister security agencies.

Addressing the officers and men, AIG Rashid Afebua, psc, mnips, mspsp, urged them to remain disciplined, professional, courageous and responsive in the discharge of their duties.

The AIG also commended the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, for his leadership of the Command and the strides recorded in maintaining peace and security across Akwa Ibom State. He acknowledged the Command’s operational efforts and encouraged the CP to sustain the momentum while continually improving on areas requiring greater attention.

He stressed that effective policing goes beyond physical presence, noting the importance of credible intelligence, strategic deployment, proper supervision and timely response in preventing and combating crime.

The AIG also cautioned officers against conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the Police, including corruption, indiscipline, abuse of authority and other forms of unprofessional behaviour. He urged commanders at all levels to lead by example and maintain effective supervision over personnel under their command.

He further called for stronger collaboration with sister security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders, stressing that sustainable security requires effective partnership between the Police and the communities they serve.

With the country approaching another electoral season, the AIG reminded personnel of their responsibility to remain politically neutral, fair and professional, while providing a safe and peaceful environment for all lawful political activities.

The engagement also afforded officers and men the opportunity to receive professional guidance directly from the Zone 6 leadership and further reinforced the principles of discipline, integrity, respect for human rights and service to the nation.

In a Press Statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, quotes the Akwa Ibom Police Commissioner Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, as saying that the engagement provides the Command with further strategic direction and professional insight.