The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded major operational breakthroughs in its sustained and aggressive crackdown on criminal elements across the State, leading to the recovery of sixty-nine (69) firearms, arrest of one hundred and seventy-eight (178) suspects involved in various crimes, rescue of kidnapped and human trafficking victims, as well as the disruption of several criminal networks operating within the State.
This was contained in a statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Timfon John issued to newsmen.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating all forms of criminality and ensuring that Akwa Ibom State remains 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.
According to the CP, 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.
The CP noted that the discovery further exposes the transnational dimension of illicit drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond Akwa Ibom State.
In another operation along Aka Road/Ukana Offot axis, police operatives intercepted a suspicious male riding an electric scooter. On sighting the Police, the suspect abandoned the scooter and fled through an uncompleted building.
A search conducted on the abandoned bag led to the recovery of suspected charms, a mask, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and a locally fabricated pistol. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and dismantle the criminal network linked to him.
Similarly, operatives acting on credible information arrested one Aniefiok Mbana of Ikot Ukam Village over alleged stealing and unlawful possession of firearms.
Recovered from the suspect were a suspected stolen motorcycle, one fabricated pistol, one dane gun, four expended cartridges, one live cartridge, and assorted suspected charms.
The Command also recorded another operational success following the arrest of one Uduak Daniel, male, aged 28 years, suspected to be a member of a robbery syndicate specializing in dispossessing motorcycle riders of their motorcycles at gunpoint.
Recovered from the suspect were one locally made pistol, one axe, one knife, suspected charms, wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, bottles of illicit substances, mobile phones, rings, and other incriminating items, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members.
Furthermore, during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation at James Town Junction, operatives arrested one Asuquo Okon, male, aged 63 years, of Etebi Village in Esit Eket Local Government Area, while transporting two large bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
Investigation into the matter has commenced to identify and apprehend all persons connected to the illicit trade.
The Commissioner of Police further disclosed that within the period under review, the Command recovered a total of sixty-nine (69) firearms 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.
Additionally, four hundred and sixty-eight (468) rounds of ammunition were recovered during various operations across the State.
The Command also arrested:
* Twenty-seven (27) suspected armed robbers;
* Six (6) suspected kidnappers;
* Fourteen (14) murder suspects;
* Forty-nine (49) suspected cultists;
* Twenty-two (22) suspected vandals; and
* Sixty (60) burglary and stealing suspects.
This brings the total number of suspects arrested within the review period to one hundred and seventy-eight (178).
Furthermore, the Command rescued eleven (11) victims of human trafficking, sixteen (16) kidnapped victims, and also recovered three (3) suspected stolen vehicles.
The Commissioner of Police commended officers and men of the Command for their professionalism, courage, discipline, and dedication to duty, noting that the achievements recorded clearly reflect the operational resilience and commitment of the Command towards maintaining peace and security across the State.
CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, also appreciated the Government of Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of Pst. Umo Eno for its continued support to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the fight against crime and criminality.
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.
The Commissioner of Police further appreciated the people of Akwa Ibom State for their cooperation, trust, and timely supply of credible information to security agencies, emphasizing that security remains a collective responsibility.
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.
The CP reassured residents that the Command would continue to intensify intelligence gathering, tactical operations, patrol activities, and community policing initiatives to ensure sustained peace, safety, and protection of lives and property across Akwa Ibom State.
“Your days are numbered. There will be no safe haven and no breathing space for criminals in Akwa Ibom State,” the CP warned.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order across all communities in the State.
