… warn public against taking laws into their hands
Aniefiok Christopher
Police arrested four and launched manhunt for fleeing suspects over the vandalization and malicious destruction of property belonging to Seplat Energy at Mkpanak Village in Ibeno Local Government Area of the State.
Before Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited was renamed Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU) from ExxonMobil in December 2024, the community had had altercation with MPNU.
‘‘On 11th March, 2026 at about 1200 hours, the Police received a distress call from the Security Control Room of Seplat Energy Company reporting that a group of youths allegedly led by their youth leader, one James Eshiet (M), had vandalised and maliciously damaged the company’s signpost and were attempting to forcefully gain access into the facility with the intention of destroying other critical installations.
‘‘Acting swiftly on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, operatives of the Command immediately mobilized to the scene,’’ a press release signed by Baba Mohammed Azare fsi, Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police and dated March 15, stated.
According to the release, ‘‘Upon arrival, the operatives discovered that the company’s signpost had already been forcefully pulled down and destroyed. The hoodlums, numbering about twenty-five (25), violently resisted arrest and attempted to obstruct Police operations.
‘‘However, through a carefully coordinated and professional tactical response, the Police successfully arrested the following suspects: Prince Afaiko (M), 48 years, Emmanuel Okpolo (M), 36 years, Daniel Christopher (M), 32 years and Effiong Effiong (M), 39 years.
‘‘All the suspects are from Mkpanak Village.’’
Meanwhile, Police surveillance teams are currently on the trail of the ring leader and other fleeing members of the group who are presently at large. Efforts have been intensified to ensure their prompt arrest and prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, strongly condemns the act of vandalism and criminal intimidation directed at corporate facilities operating within the State. He reiterates that no individual or group has the right to resort to self-help, violence, or destruction of property under any guise whatsoever.
The Command, therefore, warns members of the public, particularly youth groups, to desist from taking laws into their own hands. Grievances or disputes must be channeled through lawful and peaceful means, as any person or group found engaging in acts of vandalism, violence, or sabotage will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains fully committed to protecting lives, safeguarding investments, and ensuring a secure environment for lawful businesses to operate across the State.
Members of the public are encouraged to continue to support the Police with credible information that will assist in maintaining peace and security.
Police arrest suspected drug dealer and raid criminal hideout
In another development, operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Command have arrested a suspected drug dealer during a targeted intelligence-driven raid on a criminal hideout as part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
The operation was carried out in compliance with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare fsi, on sustained purposeful and intelligence-led raids aimed at dismantling criminal networks and ensuring public safety across the state.
A press release signed by DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer for Commissioner of Police and dated 15 March, 2026 said ‘‘On 14th March, 2026 at about 0730 hours, police patrol teams stormed a suspected criminal hideout following credible intelligence on the activities of criminal elements.
‘‘Upon sighting the police patrol vehicles, several suspects fled the scene. However, the principal target of the operation, one Michael Ibok (M) of Ituak Abang Village, was successfully apprehended by the operatives.’’
According to the release, ‘‘a spot search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a wrapped quantity of illicit substance suspected to be Indian hemp in his possession.
‘‘The suspect is currently in police custody while investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of his involvement in criminal activities and to apprehend other fleeing accomplices.’’
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reiterates its commitment to sustained intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating drug-related crimes and other criminal activities within the state.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police by providing useful and timely information that can assist in identifying and apprehending criminal elements in their communities.
