In the ongoing offensives aimed at mopping up small arms, light weapons and high-calibre guns, anti-crime operatives have arrested 178 criminal elements in Akwa Ibom State.
They acted on credible intelligence volunteered by concerned residents.
The commissioner of police, Baba Azare, who paraded the suspects with their guns and looted items at the state command’s headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, disclosed that a total of 69 firearms were seized during the combing exercise.
Additionally, the victims of kidnapping and human trafficking, he added, were rescued during these operations.
The CP, who emphasised the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents by employing intelligence-driven policing strategies and coordinated tactical operations – to rid the state of criminals, drug agents, kidnappers and armed hoodlums, urged citizens to be in the vanguard of effective policing of both rural and urban centres.
“The recent operations targeted a range of criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, burglary, and other violent crimes at identified hotspots across the State,” he explained.
The CP listed notable achievements during the operations to include the arrest of a suspected drug kingpin, Francis Akpan, and his associates in Okobo Ebughu, where a significant amount of suspected illicit substances and related items were confiscated.
In another operation in Uyo, the state capital, he revealed that a suspect was intercepted with incriminating items after attempting to evade the Police.
“The Command successfully apprehended individuals involved in theft, unlawful possession of firearms, and robbery activities and recovered items including stolen properties, firearms, ammunition, and other evidence linking the suspects to criminal acts.
“In total, 69 firearms were recovered, along with various types of ammunition. The Command also arrested individuals suspected of armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, cultism, vandalism, burglary, and theft.
“Additionally, victims of human trafficking and kidnapping were rescued, and stolen vehicles were recovered,” he added, and praised the professionalism and dedication of the Command’s personnel, and announced plans to recognize outstanding officers, who stood out in Police services.
He expressed gratitude to the Akwa Ibom State Government and residents for their support in combating crime, noting that the police action has sent a clear message to criminals across the State.
