The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has noted a publication by SaharaReporters alleging that officers returning from a counter-insurgency deployment were made to pay ₦25,000 each as a “transit fee.”

For clarity, the transportation of officers from Uyo to Jaji and back is borne by the Squadron and not by the officers. There is no authorised ₦25,000 transit fee, and officers are not required to fund their official transportation.

The Command takes any allegation of unauthorised demand or collection seriously. Consequently, an inquiry has been ordered to establish what occurred and identify anyone responsible.

According to Press Statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, any personnel found to have demanded or collected money without authority will face appropriate disciplinary action and, where warranted, prosecution.

The Command invites any officer with direct knowledge of any payment demand or collection to provide relevant details through the appropriate channels. The investigation will be guided by evidence and conducted fairly.

The Command urges the public to treat the reported allegation as a matter requiring verification while the facts are being established.

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.

Following credible intelligence available to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command indicating plans by some individuals to exploit scheduled political activities to cause disturbances and threaten public peace, and in the overriding interest of public safety and security, all approvals earlier granted for political rallies, meetings, processions and other related public political activities scheduled to hold on Thursday, 1st October 2026, anywhere within Akwa Ibom State are hereby directed to be rescheduled.

Consequently, no political party, group, association or its supporters should proceed with any activity on 1st October 2026 on the strength of any approval previously issued by the Command.

All parties and groups concerned are advised to liaise with the Police Command and propose alternative dates, which will be considered in line with prevailing security circumstances.

According to a Press Statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, This proactive measure has become necessary following emerging security concerns and intelligence assessments indicating the need to prevent any individual or group from taking advantage of such gatherings to foment trouble, cause a breakdown of law and order, or endanger innocent members of the public.

The Command therefore calls on all political parties, candidates, supporters, youth groups and other stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint and comply strictly with this directive. Security agencies will maintain heightened vigilance across the State to ensure the continued protection of lives and property.

The Commissioner of Police appreciates the understanding and cooperation of all concerned and emphasizes that the directive is purely precautionary, non-partisan, and taken solely in the overall interest of peace, security and public order in Akwa Ibom State.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all lawful political and civic activities and assures stakeholders that requests for alternative dates will be given appropriate consideration.