The Police operatives uncovered masquerade mask in a criminal’s hideout and arrested the suspect for further investigation in Akwa Ibom.
This was as the operatives smashed a gang of two suspects allegedly involved in the attempted vandalisation of electricity transformer in the state.
On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at approximately 0517 hours, operatives of the Command successfully raided a criminal hideout in Itak Village, Ikono Local Government Area.
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In a press release dated August 28 and signed DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Police Command said ‘‘Credible intelligence led to the arrest of one Emmanuel Emmanuel Anthony, a 26-year-old male, who is suspected to be a member of a cult group.
John noted ‘‘During the search, operatives recovered the following items from the suspect: One locally fabricated pistol, an Ekpo masquerade mask, and a bag containing items suspected to be charms
‘‘Preliminary investigations have begun, further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.’’
Police arrest suspected vandalism gang
In another development, the police operatives have smashed a gang of two suspects allegedly involved in the attempted vandalism of an electricity transformer.
‘‘In a joint operation early Sunday morning, a combined team of Akwa Ibom State Police, military, and local vigilante members arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the attempted vandalism of an electricity transformer. The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. on August 24, 2025, in Ikot Idim village, Ika Local Government Area.
A press release issued by DSP Timfon John said ‘‘The arrests were the result of credible intelligence received on August 23, 2025, which indicated that a criminal gang specializing in the theft and vandalism of government and private properties was planning to enter Akwa Ibom State.
‘‘The arrested suspects have been identified as Collins Ekwelu Ekene, a 37-year-old male from Orlu, Isu Local Government Area in Imo State, and Elijah Edet John, a 36-year-old male from Obot Idem village, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, who resides in Rivers State.
‘‘Upon arrival at the scene, the joint security team successfully ambushed the suspects as they attempted to dismantle an electricity transformer. Three other suspects managed to escape into a nearby bush.
‘‘The following items were recovered from the scene: two gas cylinders, a towing chain, two iron cutters, an oxygen nozzle, two long constructive iron pipes and two mobile phones.
‘‘Both suspects have confessed to the crime. An investigation is ongoing to locate and apprehend the three individuals who fled the scene.
‘‘Further information will be released as the investigation progresses,’’ john added.
