Akakan Umoh
A 40-year-old man was arrested over alleged production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages while five cartons of suspected fake dry gin were recovered in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
A statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said the suspect, Ubong Ntiense, 40, a native of Ibiaku Village, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, resident along Abak Road, Uyo was arrested on 26 September, 2026 at about 1345 hours by operatives of the Command.
John stated that the suspect was intercepted while allegedly conveying the products to Essien Udim Local Government Area for delivery.
The statement reads “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has intensified its ongoing crackdown on the production, distribution and circulation of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic beverages across the State, with the arrest of a 40-year-old man and the recovery of five cartons of suspected fake/adulterated dry gin in Ikot Ekpene.
The police mentioned that items recovered from him include five cartons of suspected adulterated dry gin bearing the fake label, “Pointers Special Dry Gin,” with each carton containing 24 bottles, bringing the total to 120 bottles.
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According to the police, the suspect and the recovered exhibits were taken to the station for preliminary investigation, where he allegedly confessed to being involved in the production of the fake alcoholic drinks.
The police spokesman said following his confession, operatives secured and executed a search warrant at his residence and premises, where substances and materials allegedly used in the production of the adulterated drinks were recovered as exhibits.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, directed that the investigation be conducted thoroughly and professionally, with a view to identifying other persons connected to the production and circulation of the 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.
Police begin Crackdown on Illegal Mining
As a crackdown on illegal mining activities began in the state, the state Police Command has warned individuals, companies and organized syndicates involved in the unlawful extraction, processing or transportation of mineral resources to desist immediately or face decisive law enforcement action.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP John said the renewed offensive follows intelligence reports indicating the existence of suspected unauthorized mining and excavation activities in some parts of the State, with attendant concerns over environmental degradation, economic sabotage, public safety and other security implications.
Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical teams and intelligence formations across the State to increase surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement around suspected illegal mining locations.
The directive includes the identification of unauthorised mining sites, profiling of persons and organizations connected with such activities, monitoring of the movement of mining equipment and mineral resources, and the investigation of individuals reasonably suspected of operating outside the provisions of the law.
The Commissioner of Police warned that the Command will not allow Akwa Ibom State to become a haven for illegal mining activities or for criminal networks seeking to exploit the State’s natural resources for personal gain.
According to the CP, illegal mining does not only deprive government and communities of legitimate economic benefits, but can also lead to the destruction of farmlands, environmental pollution, erosion, contamination of water sources, unsafe excavation sites and other hazards capable of endangering residents.
Of particular concern to the Command is the possibility that unregulated mining sites could provide cover for other criminal activities, including the movement of suspicious persons, trafficking, unlawful possession of dangerous weapons and the concealment of criminal proceeds.
The Police Command is therefore adopting a coordinated approach, working with relevant Federal and State Government agencies responsible for mining regulation, environmental protection and related matters to ensure that enforcement actions are properly targeted.
CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has directed officers involved in the operation to act professionally, responsibly and strictly within the confines of the law, while ensuring that genuine and duly licensed mining operators are not unnecessarily disrupted.
The Commissioner of Police wishes to make it clear that the Command’s action is not targeted at legitimate businesses. Individuals and companies with valid licences and approvals who operate in accordance with applicable laws and regulations have nothing to fear.
‘‘However, persons found engaging in mining activities without the appropriate authorization, or those who aid, sponsor, finance, conceal or provide logistical support for unlawful mining operations, will be thoroughly investigated and, where sufficient evidence exists, prosecuted in accordance with the law.
‘‘Traditional rulers, village heads, community leaders, youth leaders, landowners and residents are also strongly advised to exercise due diligence before allowing individuals or organizations access to community lands for mining or excavation purposes.
‘‘Communities are urged to verify the identities, licences and approvals of persons seeking to undertake mining activities within their areas and to promptly report suspicious operations to the Police or appropriate regulatory agencies,’’ the statement stated.
The Command particularly encourages members of the public to report unusual excavation activities, movement of heavy-duty mining equipment, suspicious transportation of mineral resources and the sudden establishment of mining camps in locations where such operations have not previously been known to exist.
The Commissioner of Police assured the public that credible information provided to the Command will be treated with appropriate confidentiality.
He further cautioned residents against confronting suspected illegal miners or taking the law into their own hands, stressing that all reports should be forwarded to the Police for professional investigation and necessary action.
The Command will continue to conduct intelligence-led operations aimed at identifying illegal mining locations, dismantling unlawful networks and bringing offenders to justice.
CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has reiterated that the protection of lives, property, natural resources and the economic interests of Akwa Ibom State remains a priority of the Command.
He, therefore, called for the cooperation of all stakeholders, emphasizing that the fight against illegal mining requires the collective responsibility of security agencies, regulatory bodies, traditional institutions, community leaders and members of the public.
“Akwa Ibom State will not be turned into a safe haven for illegal miners. Anyone who chooses to exploit the natural resources of the State outside the law should be prepared to face the consequences,” the Commissioner of Police warned.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to maintain law and order and to ensure that persons engaging in activities capable of threatening the security, environment and economic wellbeing of the State are held accountable.
