The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough in its sustained fight against cultism, vehicle theft and other criminal activities across the State.
This was contained in a statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Timfon John issued to newsmen.
It said on 7 August 2026 at about 1500hrs, Operatives of the Command while on routine patrol, sighted two men in possession of a Toyota Hilux with black bonnet, registration number NYA 399 AA, earlier reported stolen on 6 August 2026 at Udo Eduok Street, off Aka Road, Uyo.
On sighting the Police, the suspects fled and were pursued to a non-motorable road, where they abandoned the vehicle and escaped into the bush. The owner, one Mr. Reginald, was contacted and subsequently identified the recovered vehicle as his property. The vehicle has been recovered and is currently undergoing investigation while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation at about 2330hrs the same day, operatives of the Command while conducting stop-and-search along Abak Road by the Federal Secretariat, Uyo, arrested one Emmanuel Emmanson, 21, of Mkpat Enin LGA, and recovered three live cartridges from him.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity and stated that the cartridges were intended for a cult initiation exercise in a bush.
The suspect remains in custody as investigation continues, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected unlawful group.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, commends the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism, and assures members of the public that the Command will sustain intelligence-led operations and other proactive policing strategies to protect lives and property.
The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles and activitiesto the Police.
