Aniefiok Christopher
In significant operational breakthroughs in its ongoing intelligence-driven efforts, Akwa Ibom Police Command has recorded success against violent crimes, child trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and other criminal activities threatening public peace and safety in the state.
Executed by tactical and divisional formations of the Command, the coordinated operations underscore the renewed commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen internal security across the country.
‘‘In one of the operations, operatives of the Command acting on credible intelligence and in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, on 13th May, 2026, at about 1900hrs, arrested three female suspects over their alleged involvement in child trafficking, conspiracy, and the unlawful sale of a newborn baby.
Also read: Akwa Ibom Police Arrest 2 Suspected Illegal Arms Suppliers, Recover Arms
‘‘The suspects as Ekemini Godwin ‘F’, 19 years, of Ikot Obioma Village, Endurance Sunday ‘F’, 26 years, of Nkwot Ikono Village and Alice Emmanuel ‘F’, 50 years, of Nkwot Ikono Village,’’ DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer for Commissioner of Police, in a press release of 15 May, 2026, stated.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the complainant, one Sifon ‘M’, reported that his wife gave birth to a baby boy on 7th May, 2026. Shockingly, shortly after delivery, the suspects allegedly conspired and unlawfully sold the newborn child to one Eno Peter ‘F’ of Ikpe Atai Village for the sum of One Hundred and Forty-Five Thousand Naira (₦145,000) without the consent or knowledge of the father.
Upon receipt of the report, operatives immediately swung into action, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the successful recovery of the baby boy.
The suspects reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation, while investigation has been expanded to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the trafficking syndicate and possible illegal child adoption network operating within and outside the State.
In another operation against criminal elements, operatives of the command, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Efa Village in Etinan Local Government Area on 13th May, 2026.
During the operation, one suspect identified as Bassey Dennis ‘M’, 32 years, of Ata Efa Village, Etinan LGA, was arrested.
Exhibits recovered from the suspect include one serviceable Dane gun, one live cartridge, quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and substances suspected to be Crystal Methamphetamine, popularly known as “ICE.”
The Command views the recovery of firearms and hard drugs from the suspect as a serious threat to public safety and an indication of the dangerous criminal tendencies associated with illicit drug activities and violent crimes.
Investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the firearm, uncover possible criminal collaborators, and dismantle associated networks linked to the suspect.
Similarly, on 14 May, 2026, at about 1100hrs, operatives of the Command while carrying out routine stop-and-search operations along Abak Road, Uyo, intercepted a suspicious silver-coloured BMW 5 Series saloon car without a registration number.
While being questioned by operatives, the unidentified driver suddenly abandoned the vehicle in the middle of the road and fled the scene before he could be apprehended.
The vehicle was immediately secured and recovered to Police custody for detailed forensic and ownership investigation to determine whether it is connected to any reported case of theft, armed robbery, or other criminal activities.
Efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest the fleeing suspect, as well as track down any criminal syndicate connected to the vehicle.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the professionalism, vigilance, and tactical efficiency displayed by officers involved in the various operations.
The CP reiterated that the Command remains fully committed to sustaining aggressive intelligence-led policing, strategic stop-and-search operations, continuous raids on criminal hideouts, and coordinated enforcement actions aimed at denying criminals any safe haven within Akwa Ibom State.
Azare warned all individuals involved in child trafficking, cultism, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, drug trafficking, and other violent crimes to immediately desist from such unlawful activities or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
CP Azare reassured residents that the Command will continue to intensify efforts towards protecting lives and property, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely, credible, and actionable information to the Police.
The Command emphasised that community partnership remains critical in the ongoing fight against criminality and assured residents that all information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
