The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has intensified its ongoing crackdown on the production and distribution of fake and adulterated alcoholic beverages across the State, with the arrest of a 40-year-old man.

The arrest according to a Press statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, also led to the recovery of five cartons of suspected fake/adulterated dry gin in Ikot Ekpene.

The suspect, identified as Ubong Ntiense, aged 40 years, a native of Ibiaku Village, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, and resident along Abak Road, was arrested on 26 September 2026 at about 1345 hours by operatives of the Command.

The suspect was intercepted during a stop-and-search operation along Aba Road, while allegedly conveying the products to Essien Udim Local Government Area for delivery.

A search of the vehicle/person led to the recovery of five cartons of suspected adulterated dry gin, bearing the fake label “Pointers Special Dry Gin.” Each carton contained 24 bottles, bringing the total number of recovered bottles to 120.

The suspect and the recovered items were subsequently brought to the station for preliminary investigation. During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to being involved in the production of the fake alcoholic beverages.

Based on information obtained during the investigation, Police operatives secured and executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence and premises, where substances and other materials allegedly used in the production of the adulterated drinks were recovered as exhibits.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, has directed that the investigation be conducted thoroughly and professionally, with a view to identifying other persons connected to the production, distribution and circulation of the suspected counterfeit products.

The Command views the production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages as a serious public safety concern, particularly because unsuspecting members of the public may consume such products without knowledge of their contents or origin.

The Police therefore warn individuals, distributors, retailers and organised networks involved in the manufacture, transportation or sale of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic beverages to desist immediately, as the Command will continue to deploy intelligence-led operations, surveillance, stop-and-search activities and lawful investigative measures to disrupt such activities.

Members of the public are equally urged to exercise caution when purchasing alcoholic beverages and to promptly report suspicious production or distribution activities to the Police or other relevant regulatory authorities.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully rescued two persons following a boat mishap along the Ibaka waterways in Mbo Local Government Area of the State.

The incident occurred on Thursday, 17th September, 2026, at about 1:30 p.m., when a blue W23 speedboat with the inscription “LET’S PRAY,” powered by a Yamaha outboard engine and conveying goods, was travelling from Oron towards Cameroon.

Preliminary information indicates that while navigating the Ibaka waterways, the boat driver, Mr. Daniel, attempted to adjust the boat’s seacock to allow accumulated water onboard to drain. During the process, waves generated by a passing boat reportedly destabilised the vessel, causing it to take in water and eventually sink.

The driver and his conductor, Mr. Kani, were immediately rescued through the swift intervention of the Marine Police Operational and Surveillance Patrol Team, which was patrolling the waterways at the time of the incident.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, mnipr, has commended the Marine Police personnel for their vigilance, professionalism and prompt response, which prevented the incident from resulting in loss of life.

The CP further urged boat operators and passengers using the State’s waterways to prioritise safety at all times, ensure that vessels are seaworthy, avoid overloading, provide adequate life jackets for everyone onboard, and exercise extreme caution while navigating areas with heavy marine traffic.

The Command reassures residents, travellers and maritime operators that the Police will continue to strengthen patrols and surveillance along the waterways in collaboration with other relevant security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

A press statement from the police public relations officer, DSP Timfon John, says the
security situation along the waterways remains calm, while further necessary action is ongoing.

Nicholas Olamide, a male native of Ibogi, Ile-Ife, Osun State, who resides in Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom State has been arrested in connection to a case of burglary.

According to a Press statement by Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the arrest also led to the recovery of photographic equipments worth over twenty one million naira only (N21m).

The press statement narrates how the arrest and recovery happened following a written petition received on 3rd September 2026 from one Aniekan.

According to the statement, Aniekan had reported that his photo studio had been burgled by unknown persons who gained access through the roof.

The incident was discovered on 24th August 2026, and several valuable items were reportedly carted away. The stolen property included a Canon 6D Mark II camera, Nikon D850 camera, Sony A7 Mark II camera, AD200 studio light, AD600 studio light, Shaker studio light and a box of memory cards, with the total value estimated at N13,140,000.

Acting swiftly on the complaint, Police operatives commenced discreet investigation and intelligence-led follow-up, which culminated in the arrest, on 7th September 2026, of one

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to his involvement in the reported burglary and subsequently led investigators to the locations of other suspects and suspected stolen property.

His disclosures led the operatives to Abasiakan Ikpembe of Abak Local Government Area and Edward Francis, ‘M’, of Afaha Ube Street, Uyo, where several of the stolen items, alongside other articles reasonably suspected to have been stolen, were recovered.

In a further development arising from sustained interrogation and follow-up investigation, the principal suspect allegedly disclosed his involvement in additional burglary and stealing incidents within Uyo and other parts of Akwa Ibom State.

According to the ongoing investigation, the suspect allegedly admitted that between 28th July and 5th August 2026, he burgled a photo studio located at No. 135 Aka Road, Uyo and stole various photographic equipment and accessories.

Items reportedly stolen from the studio include an Itel A80 mobile phone, tripods, LED light tripod, bracket, Godox AD200 and AD600 studio lights, Godox speedlight, Godox triggers, Sony A7 camera, Sony 50mm lens, Gimbal R3 Mini, photo lights, make-up bag, AD600 bag, speedlight bag, 700GB drive and AD600 chargers, with the estimated value of the stolen property put at approximately N8 million.

The suspect further allegedly confessed that on 25th August 2026, he entered a photo studio at Aka Estate, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, and stole a Canon camera and lens belonging to one Richard.

Following the information provided, operatives traced and arrested another suspect, identified as Wisdom Sunday, ‘M’, of No. 166 Oron Road, Uyo. Some of the stolen items, as well as other property reasonably suspected to be stolen, were recovered from the location.

Preliminary investigation further indicates that the principal suspect is allegedly a repeat offender who was recently released from the correctional facility in June 2026. Investigators are currently working to establish his possible involvement in other similar burglary and stealing cases within and outside the State.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the operatives for their swift response, intelligence gathering and professional handling of the investigation.

The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, recovering stolen property and ensuring that perpetrators of burglary, stealing and other forms of criminality are brought to justice.

He particularly urged members of the public, especially owners of businesses and valuables, to remain vigilant, strengthen the security of their premises and promptly report suspicious movements and criminal activities to the Police.

The Command also calls on members of the public who may have fallen victim to similar burglary or theft incidents to come forward with relevant information or documentation that may assist investigators in identifying and recovering their property.