By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Atleast 16 kidnapped victims have been rescued while178 suspects involved in murder, armed robbery, kidnapping and human trafficking have been arrested by the Police across various locations in Akwa Ibom.
This is even as the Command has recorded major operational breakthroughs in its sustained and aggressive crackdown on criminal elements across the state, with the recovery of 69 firearms,
State Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare who made this known in a press conference in Uyo yesterday also said that additionally 468 rounds of ammunition were recovered during various operations across the State.
Azare further stated that 11 victims of human trafficking and three suspected stolen vehicles were recovered recovered.
According to him, the suspect arrested include 27 armed robbers, six suspected kidnappers, 14 murder suspects, 49 suspected cultists, 22 suspected vandals and 60 burglary and stealing suspects.
The firearms recovered according to the commissioner were of various categories, including thirty-four locally made pistols, three Beretta pistols, ten single barrel guns, four double barrel guns, one G3 rifle, two toy guns, twelve dane guns, one pump action gun, one AK-47 rifle, and one locally made gun.
Azare reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating all forms of criminality and ensuring that Akwa Ibom State remained unsafe for criminals.
The CP stated that through intelligence-led policing, coordinated raids, strategic surveillance operations, stop-and-search exercises, and tactical interventions across identified black spots, the Command has continued to record decisive successes against armed robbery, kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms, cultism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, burglary, and other violent crimes.
“One of the major breakthroughs recorded within the period under review was the arrest of a suspected drug kingpin and four accomplices during an intelligence-driven operation carried out at Okobo Ebughu in Mbo Local Government Area.
“Operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed the residence of one Francis Akpan, male, aged 40 years, a native of Nung Ukim Village in Ikono Local Government Area but resident in Okobo Ebughu, where twenty-three large bags containing dried weeds suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered.
“Also recovered during the operation were a motorcycle and dismantled outboard boat engines suspected to be connected to other criminal activities.” He said.
He pointed out that the discovery further exposed the transnational dimension of illicit drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond Akwa Ibom State.
In recognition of exceptional service, gallantry, and dedication to duty, the CP announced that Commissioner of Police Commendation Certificates would be conferred on officers who distinguished themselves during the successful operations.
He stated that the commendation was aimed at rewarding professionalism, boosting morale, and encouraging excellence and operational efficiency within the Command.
He warned all criminal elements operating anywhere within the State that there would be no hiding place for criminals involved in armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and other violent crimes.
“Your days are numbered. There will be no safe haven and no breathing space for criminals in Akwa Ibom State.” He warned.
