The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant operational success in its sustained campaign against criminality with the arrest of a suspected armed criminal and the recovery of a locally made pistol in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
This was contained in a statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Timfon John issued to newsmen.
It said the breakthrough is in furtherance of the strategic directive of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, to eliminate criminal black spots across the state and ensure that residents continue to enjoy a safe and secure environment.
On 1st July, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m., a distress report was relayed from the Command Control Room, Uyo, from one man ( name withheld) that one Bassey Udo Idiong, a 42-year-old male from the same community, had stormed his palace armed with a locally made pistol and threatened to shoot him.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Command mobilized immediately to the scene. The suspect was professionally disarmed without incident and taken into custody, while the locally made pistol was recovered as an exhibit.
The prompt response of the Police not only prevented what could have resulted in a tragic loss of life but also underscores the Command’s unwavering commitment to responding decisively to every credible security threat within the state.
The suspect remains in police custody, while a discreet and comprehensive investigation has commenced to determine the source of the recovered firearm, establish the motive behind the criminal act, and identify and apprehend any accomplices or members of criminal networks connected to the suspect. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspect will be charged to court accordingly.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the officers for their professionalism, courage, and prompt intervention. He reiterated that the Command will continue to sustain aggressive intelligence-led policing and targeted operations aimed at rooting out illegal firearms, violent criminals, and all forms of criminality across Akwa Ibom State.
The Commissioner further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting the Police by providing timely, credible, and actionable information. He assured residents that every report received will be treated with utmost seriousness and confidentiality, emphasizing that security remains a collective responsibility.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property and warns all criminal elements that there will be no hiding place for anyone seeking to disrupt the peace and security of the state.