Akakan Umoh
In its sustained effort to rid Akwa Ibom of criminal activities, the State Police Command has arrested three robbery and cultism suspects and recovered firearms.
Consequently, the police are set to arraign the suspects before court of competent jurisdiction for trial.
A press release signed by DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer for the state Commissioner of Police on Tuesday, said ‘‘In one operation, operatives of the Command, acting on a duly obtained search warrant, executed a lawful search at the residence of one Isidore Udousoro, male, 69 years, at Ikot Ayankana Village in Abak Local Government Area on 15th June, 2026, at about 0715 hours.
‘‘The suspect is currently under investigation in connection with allegations bordering on cultism, assault, malicious damage, and threat to life. During the search, operatives recovered one locally made pistol and one machete concealed within the premises.
Also read: Man in Police cell awaiting trial for killing mother in Akwa Ibom
‘‘The suspect was immediately taken into custody alongside the recovered exhibits. Investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of his involvement in the alleged offences and possible links to other criminal activities within the area. He will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.’’
According to it, ‘‘In a separate operation demonstrating the Command’s proactive policing strategy and heightened visibility patrols, operatives of the Command, while conducting routine stop-and-search operations around Etinan Circus on 11th June, 2026, at about 2230 hours, intercepted and arrested two suspected armed robbers.
‘‘The suspects, identified as Thankgod Daniel, male, 21 years, and Ekom Effiong, male, 44 years, both from Ukanafun Local Government Area, were riding an unregistered red-coloured QLINK motorcycle when they attempted to evade police operatives upon sighting the patrol team.
‘‘Their suspicious conduct prompted an immediate pursuit by officers, who successfully intercepted and apprehended them. A thorough search led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, one live cartridge, and one Android phone.’’
‘‘During interrogation, the suspects confessed to robbing a male victim of the QLINK motorcycle at Afaha Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area. They further admitted to operating as members of a four-man armed robbery gang, with three members reportedly armed during the criminal operation.
”Efforts are currently underway to arrest the remaining fleeing gang members, while further investigations continue to uncover other crimes linked to the syndicate,’’ the release stated.
You also read: One Dies as Police Foil Robbery attack in Akwa Ibom
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare fsi, has commended the professionalism, vigilance, and swift response of the operatives involved in both operations.
He reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating cultism, curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms, and ensuring that perpetrators of crime are brought to justice.
The Command wishes to assure residents that intelligence-led policing, strategic patrols, stop-and-search operations, and targeted raids on criminal hideouts will continue across the State.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, as community partnership remains a critical component in the fight against crime.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its mission to sustain peace, protect lives and property, and maintain law and order throughout the State.
