The Village Head of Ine Eyoabasi Fishing Village in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom has reportedly intensified following efforts by police to arrest him over alleged involvement in a militant and piracy network operating across the coastal areas of the state.
Akwa Ibom Police Command said the embattled traditional ruler fled from the community after sighting a team of police deployed to pick him for questioning..
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, who stated this on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, during a press briefing at Akwa Ibom Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, highlighted major security breakthroughs the command recorded in recent weeks.
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Azare said ‘‘On 3rd November, 2025, at about 1145 hrs, operatives of the Command, in collaboration with Marine Hunters, intercepted and arrested one Samuel Geoffrey ‘m’, aged 27 years, a native of Atakpere Community in Ekeremo LGA of Bayelsa State.
‘‘The suspect confessed to being an active militant involved in sea piracy and kidnapping. He disclosed that his rifle was in the custody of one Kingdom Bane ‘m’, the Village Head of Ine Eyoabasi Fishing Village.
‘‘Operatives immediately stormed the village. Though the Village Head fled upon sighting the teams, a search of his makeshift residence led to the recovery of numerous items suspected to have been stolen from sea travelers.’’
According to him, ‘‘items recovered include one 40HP, two 15HP, and one 8HP marine engines, four power heads, four gear boxes, four propellers, and four engine covers, one Snow Sea deep freezer and three generators.
‘‘Others are three brand new toilet seats, two brand new toilet sinks, one sewing machine, 14 empty drums, one 3kg gas cylinder, boat parts and household items, a bag containing the personal effects of one Chibuike Vincent Awah of Onitsha, Anambra State, including his ID card and NIN slip.
The Commissioner of Police noted that ‘‘During interrogation, the suspect confessed that his rifle was being kept by one Kingdom Bane, the Village Head of Ine Eyoabasi Fishing Village.
“Upon sighting our operatives, the Village Head fled. However, a search of his residence led to the recovery of several items suspected to have been stolen from sea travellers,” the Commissioner stated.
‘‘Though the suspect, Geoffrey, is in custody, CP Azare assured that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing Village Head, emphasizing that no criminal, regardless of status, would escape justice.
‘‘The suspect is in custody, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing Village Head.’’
“This operation demonstrates our resolve to dismantle criminal networks from the creeks of Mbo to the heart of Uyo. We will pursue every suspect until they face the law,” he affirmed.
CP Azare commended the Command’s operatives for their professionalism and dedication, while appreciating residents for their continued support. He urged anyone whose phones or properties were stolen to report to the Command for identification and possible recovery.
“We are committed to ensuring that Akwa Ibom remains one of the safest states in Nigeria. Criminals must know there is no hiding place,” he said.
The Police Boss reiterated the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and inter-agency collaboration, stressing that the fight against crime requires continued cooperation from all citizens.
He acknowledged successes spanning from the creeks of Mbo to the heart of Uyo underscore unwavering commitment to rid the State of criminal elements and ensure the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens.
‘‘Our operational strategies, which include robust intelligence gathering, proactive patrols, and effective collaboration with sister security agencies and community stakeholders, have continued to yield impressive results,’’ Azare added.
