Aniefiok Christopher
A total of 178 suspects linked to various criminal activities in Akwa Ibom are wallowing in police detention, awaiting court arraignment.
This is as the Akwa Ibom Police Command recovered 69 firearms in its ongoing war against crime in the state.
Addressing journalists during a press conference at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia in Uyo on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, declared that the Command has intensified intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring public confidence in security architecture across the state.
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Within the period under review, Azare said the Command recovered 69 firearms, including 34 locally made pistols, three Beretta pistols, 10 single-barrel guns, four double-barrel guns, one G3 rifle, one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action gun, 12 Dane guns, and other assorted weapons.
In addition, 468 rounds of ammunition were recovered during separate operations across the state.
The Command further insisted that those arrested include 27 suspected robbers, six suspected kidnappers, 14 murder suspects, 49 suspected cultists, 22 suspected vandals, and 60 burglary and stealing suspects, bringing the number to 178.
The Commissioner stated that the Command’s coordinated raids, surveillance missions, stop-and-search operations, and tactical deployments in identified black spots have led to significant breakthroughs against armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, burglary, and other violent crimes.
Among the major breakthroughs was the arrest of an alleged drug kingpin, one Francis Akpan, alongside four accomplices during an intelligence-led operation at Okobo Ebughu in Mbo Local Government Area.
The operatives, according to him, stormed the suspect’s residence following credible intelligence and recovered 23 large bags containing dried weeds suspected to be Indian hemp. A motorcycle and dismantled outboard boat engines suspected to be linked to criminal activities were also recovered during the operation.
The Police Commissioner noted that the discovery exposes the growing transnational dimension of illicit drug trafficking operations within and beyond Akwa Ibom State.
In another operation along the Aka Road/Ukana Offot axis, police operatives intercepted a suspicious man riding an electric scooter. The suspect reportedly abandoned the scooter and fled through an uncompleted building after sighting the police.
A search conducted on the abandoned bag led to the recovery of suspected charms, a mask, substances believed to be Indian hemp, and a locally fabricated pistol. Police said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect and uncover the criminal network connected to him.
Similarly, operatives acting on intelligence arrested one Aniefiok Mbana of Ikot Ukana Village over alleged stealing and unlawful possession of firearms.
Items recovered from the suspect included a suspected stolen motorcycle, one fabricated pistol, one Dane gun, four expended cartridges, one live cartridge, and assorted charms.
One Uduak Daniel, 28, was arrested by the Command over alleged involvement in a notorious robbery syndicate for dispossessing commercial motorcyclists of their motorcycles at gunpoint.
Recovered from the suspect were a locally made pistol, axe, knife, suspected charms, wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, illicit substances, mobile phones, rings, and other incriminating items. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members.
Dane Guns recovered from the suspects
In another intelligence-led stop-and-search operation at James Town Junction, operatives arrested 63-year-old suspect, Asuquo Okon of Etebi Village in Esit Eket Local Government Area, while he was allegedly transporting two large bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom Police Command rhas escued 27, showing 11 human trafficking, and 16 kidnapped victims.
Also, the Command recovered three suspected stolen vehicles from the theft syndicate.
Azare commended officers and men of the Command for their professionalism, courage, discipline, and dedication to duty.
Suspected Indian hemp
He noted that the achievements recorded clearly reflect the operational resilience and commitment of the Command towards maintaining peace and security across the State.
Azare also appreciated the Government of Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of Pst. Umo Eno for its continued support to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the fight against crime and criminality.
In recognition of exceptional service, gallantry, and dedication to duty, the CP announced that Commissioner of Police Commendation Certificates would be conferred on officers who distinguished themselves during the successful operations.
He stated that the commendation was aimed at rewarding professionalism, boosting morale, and encouraging excellence and operational efficiency within the Command.
The Commissioner of Police further appreciated the people of Akwa Ibom State for their cooperation, trust, and timely supply of credible information to security agencies, emphasizing that security remains a collective responsibility.
He warned all criminal elements operating anywhere within the State that there would be no hiding place for criminals involved in armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and other violent crimes.
The CP reassured residents that the Command would continue to intensify intelligence gathering, tactical operations, patrol activities, and community policing initiatives to ensure sustained peace, safety, and protection of lives and property across Akwa Ibom State.
“Your days are numbered. There will be no safe haven and no breathing space for criminals in Akwa Ibom State,” the Commissioner of Police warned.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order across all communities in the State.
