Akakan Umoh
The Akwa Ibom Police Command has begun hunting for suspects of a mob action for allegedly attacking and burning to death an unidentified male at Ikpe Ikot Akpan Village along the Ikot Ekpene–Uyo Road.
The incident is said to have occurred on Wednesday, 9 September, 2026, at about 7:05 a.m., following an allegation that the deceased had attempted to steal a motorcycle belonging to one Idoroenyin Udo.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the motorcycle owner allegedly resisted the attempted theft and raised an alarm, prompting some persons in the area to pursue and apprehend the suspect,” a statement by the police spokesperson in the state, DSP Timfon John, said.
”Instead of handing him over to the Police for proper investigation, some members of the mob allegedly took the law into their own hands, assaulted the suspect and subsequently set him ablaze, resulting in his death.
Also read
- Police Uncover masquerade mask in criminal’s hideout, Smash transformer Vandals
- Illicit drugs: Police arrest four suspected peddlers, abusers in Akwa Ibom
- Police Rescue 20 trafficked Ghanaians in Akwa Ibom
”Upon receiving the distress report, Police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene and investigation commenced.
”The Command has intensified efforts to identify, track down and arrest all persons involved in the mob action. Anyone found culpable will be brought to justice in accordance with the law,” the statement stated.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, strongly condemns the incident and warns members of the public against jungle justice in any form.
CP Azare reiterates that no individual or group has the right to determine the guilt of a suspect or impose punishment outside the law. A person accused of committing an offence must be handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution.
The Command therefore urges members of the public to remain law-abiding and to promptly report suspected criminal activities to the Police rather than resorting to mob action.
”Jungle justice is unlawful, dangerous and unacceptable. It destroys evidence, frustrates proper investigation and can lead to the killing of innocent persons,” the statement added.
Investigation is ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend all those connected with the incident.
Akwa Ibom Police Foil planned kidnap operation in Oron
In another development, the State Police Command has foiled kidnap attempt in Oron, one of the State’s riverine and coastal communities.
”At about 0605 hours on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, operatives of the Marine Police, Oron, acting on credible intelligence regarding a planned kidnapping operation within Oron, Akwa Ibom State, embarked on a joint intelligence-led operation with Marine Hunters to a suspected criminal camp along the Calabar–Oron channel.”
A statement by the police spokesperson in the state, DSP Timfon John said ”The operation was targeted at disrupting the activities of a suspected criminal syndicate allegedly planning to carry out a kidnapping operation within the Oron axis.
”Upon reaching the suspected camp, the operatives recovered the following items: one Jojeef English pump-action gun; two cartridges; one white rope suspected to be intended for criminal use; two speedboats; three 200HP outboard engines; and one 15HP outboard engine.
”The recovered items have been secured for safe custody, proper documentation and further necessary investigative action.”
The operation is part of the Command’s sustained intelligence-led and proactive policing strategy aimed at identifying, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks before they are able to execute their plans.
The Command remains particularly focused on denying criminal elements the opportunity to exploit the State’s waterways as operational corridors, hideouts or escape routes. Accordingly, Marine Police operatives have continued to maintain heightened vigilance across strategic waterways and coastal communities.
The Command reassures residents, particularly those in riverine communities, boat operators, fishermen and other waterways users, that the waterways and surrounding areas remain calm and peaceful, with no incident reported following the operation.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage and effective utilisation of actionable intelligence.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deploying intelligence, operational resources and strategic partnerships to proactively prevent crime and safeguard the people of Akwa Ibom State.
The Commissioner thanked the Marine Hunters for their invaluable support, courage and operational commitment during the joint operation.
Azare urged the Marine Hunters to sustain their support and cooperation with the Police and other security agencies in the collective effort to protect the waterways and coastal communities.
The Commissioner further warned criminal elements, including those operating across State boundaries, that Akwa Ibom State will not serve as a safe haven, staging ground or escape corridor for kidnappers, armed criminals or other perpetrators of violent crime.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report credible information concerning suspicious movements, persons, vessels or activities to the Police and other relevant security agencies.
The Command appreciated the people of Akwa Ibom State for their continued cooperation and support and assures the public that the Police remain resolute, proactive and strategically positioned to detect, disrupt and decisively respond to threats against public safety.
”The safety and security of Akwa Ibom State remain our collective responsibility,” the statement stated.
