Edi Umoh
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command recorded successes in its operations in an effort aimed securing the people and the state.
Last week, the command arrested a suspect and recovered 415 cache of live ammunition from a commercial bus en route Calabar.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, who stated this in a statement on January 30, said ‘‘the items were recovered during a stop-and-search operation.
“On 23rd January, 2026 at about 2300 hours, operatives of the Command while on routine stop-and-search patrol along the Calabar–Itu Highway, intercepted a commercial bus with registration number ARR600ZY, en route Calabar.
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“During a thorough search of the vehicle, a carton containing Four Hundred and Fifteen (415) live cartridges was recovered. The vehicle was driven by one Ikenna, with passengers on board.
“Upon interrogation, the driver claimed that the ammunition was not his but was allegedly conveyed as a waybill consignment to an unidentified person in Calabar,” the statement said.
The police spokesperson also said in the course of the operation, a commuter identified as “Excel” obstructed officers in the lawful discharge of their duties by engaging in provocative conduct.
“Additionally, another commuter, one Bright who claimed to be an official of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) but failed to produce a valid identification, joined in assaulting the police officers. Both individuals were promptly arrested.
“Upon further investigations, One Nduibisi Raphael ‘m’, a 36-year-old indigene of Nyaje village of Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State was subsequently arrested in Calabar and taken into police custody.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has ordered a discreet and thorough investigation to unravel the source and intended use of the recovered ammunition, with a view to prosecuting all persons found culpable.
Police recover stolen vehicle
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant operational success with the arrest of an armed robbery and car-snatching suspect and the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Uyo.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, who stated this in a statement on January 29, said ‘‘On 20th January, 2026, at about 11:30pm, operatives of the Command, while on routine night patrol along Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, swiftly responded to a distress call from a man (name withheld) who is a Bolt driver, reporting that he had been robbed of his Toyota Corolla vehicle at gunpoint.
‘‘Upon arrival at the scene, it was discovered that the suspects had fled with the vehicle. However, through prompt intelligence gathering, operatives traced the stolen vehicle to Nkwot Ikono Village, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.
‘‘Consequently, one Sunday Okon (Male) of Nna Enin Village, Uruan Local Government Area, was arrested in possession of the stolen Toyota Corolla vehicle, with registration number DKA 337 CB. The suspect confessed to the commission of the crime during preliminary interrogation.’’
‘‘The suspect is currently in police custody, while discreet and intensive investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal gang and recover their operational weapons.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare commends the swift response and professionalism of the operatives and reassures residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating violent crimes and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the State.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and useful information to the Police.
Police recover firearms, trail suspected cultists
However, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command recovered firearms and is pursuing fleeing suspected cultists.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, who stated this in a statement on January 28, said ‘‘On 27th January, 2026, at about 3:30pm, operatives of the Command through credible information that suspected members of the Vikings Confraternity were holding a meeting at Ikot Okubo, by Transformer, off Abak Road, Uyo.
‘‘Upon swift deployment to the location, the operatives stormed the area, prompting the suspects to flee on sighting the Police, abandoning several dangerous weapons at the scene.
‘‘Items recovered include: One locally made double-barrel gun loaded with two cartridges, one locally made pistol loaded with one cartridge, one locally made pistol, loaded with one cartridge, and one cutlass.’’
According to her, ‘‘Following the operation, the Command has deployed covert surveillance teams and intensified patrols and raids within the area and its environs, while efforts are ongoing to arrest one Solo (Male), identified as the group’s leader (001), along with other fleeing suspects.’’
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, reaffirms the Command’s resolve to rid the State of criminal elements and warns that no individual or group threatening public peace will be spared.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to the Police to enhance crime prevention and public safety.
