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Idongesit Ashameri
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced a major security breakthrough with the recovery of 69 firearms, arrest of 178 suspects linked to various crimes, and rescue of 27 victims of kidnapping and human trafficking in an intensified statewide operation against criminal networks.
Addressing journalists at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo on Monday, Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, said the achievements were recorded through sustained intelligence-led operations, coordinated raids, surveillance activities, stop-and-search exercises and tactical interventions across identified flashpoints in the state.
According to the police chief, the operations targeted armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, illegal possession of firearms, drug trafficking, burglary and other violent crimes, stressing that the command remains determined to make Akwa Ibom unsafe for criminal elements.
One of the most significant operations, according to the Command, led to the arrest of an alleged drug kingpin, identified as Francis Akpan, alongside four suspected accomplices during an intelligence-driven raid at Okobo Ebughu in Mbo Local Government Area.
Police said operatives recovered 23 large bags containing dried weeds suspected to be Indian hemp from the suspect’s residence. Also recovered were a motorcycle and dismantled outboard boat engines believed to be linked to other criminal activities.
Azare said the discovery pointed to what he described as the expanding and cross-border nature of illicit drug trafficking activities operating within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
In another operation along the Aka Road–Ukana Offot axis, operatives intercepted a male suspect riding an electric scooter. The suspect reportedly abandoned the scooter and escaped through an uncompleted building after sighting police operatives.
A search conducted on items left behind reportedly led to the recovery of suspected charms, a mask, substances believed to be Indian hemp and a locally fabricated pistol, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and dismantle the wider criminal network.
The Command also disclosed the arrest of one Aniefiok Mbana of Ikot Ukam Village over alleged stealing and unlawful possession of firearms. Recovered items reportedly included a suspected stolen motorcycle, one fabricated pistol, one dane gun, four expended cartridges, one live cartridge and assorted suspected charms.
Police further announced the arrest of one Uduak Daniel, 28, alleged to be part of a robbery syndicate notorious for dispossessing motorcycle riders of their motorcycles at gunpoint. Exhibits recovered included a locally made pistol, axe, knife, suspected charms, wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, illicit substances, mobile phones and other items, while other members of the gang remain at large.
Another intelligence-led stop-and-search operation at James Town Junction led to the arrest of one Asuquo Okon, 63, of Etebi Village in Esit Eket Local Government Area while allegedly transporting two large bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp. Police said investigations were ongoing to uncover additional suspects connected to the trade.
Giving a breakdown of operational recoveries, the Commissioner said the Command recovered 69 firearms comprising 34 locally made pistols, three Beretta pistols, 10 single-barrel guns, four double-barrel guns, one G3 rifle, two toy guns, 12 dane guns, one pump-action gun, one AK-47 rifle and one locally made gun, in addition to 468 rounds of ammunition.
He added that those arrested included 27 suspected armed robbers, six suspected kidnappers, 14 murder suspects, 49 suspected cultists, 22 suspected vandals and 60 burglary and stealing suspects. The Command also rescued 11 victims of human trafficking, secured freedom for 16 kidnapped victims and recovered three suspected stolen vehicles.
Commending officers for what he described as professionalism, courage and dedication, Azare announced that deserving personnel involved in the operations would receive Commissioner of Police Commendation Certificates to boost morale and operational efficiency.
The Commissioner also acknowledged the support of the administration of Umo Eno and appreciated residents for providing credible intelligence, insisting that security remains a collective responsibility.
“Our operations will continue to intensify across the state until criminal elements are completely denied operating space,” Azare said.
In a direct warning to criminal groups, the CP declared: “Your days are numbered. There will be no safe haven and no breathing space for criminals in Akwa Ibom State.”
