The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant operational success in its sustained efforts to rid the State of criminal elements and individuals who seek to undermine public confidence in security institutions through impersonation.
This was contained in a statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Timfon John issued to newsmen.
It said on Sunday, 5th July 2026, at about 2:30 p.m., operatives of the Command, while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation along Atiku Abubakar Way, Uyo, intercepted a motorcyclist riding a Top Way motorcycle without a registration number.
The rider, later identified as Precious Joseph, an indigene of Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State who resides in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, introduced himself as an Inspector of Police.
Upon request to establish his identity, the suspect produced a Police Warrant Card bearing one Inspector Daniel . His conduct and responses, however, raised reasonable suspicion among the operatives, prompting a more thorough search.
The search led to the recovery of another official identity card belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service, further strengthening the suspicion that the suspect was fraudulently parading himself as a security personnel.
In a follow-up operation, detectives proceeded with the suspect to his residence in Ikot Ekpene, where a search warrant was executed. The search resulted in the recovery of several items, including:
* Police beret;
* Police buttons and insignia;
* Inspector rank badges;
* PMF uniforms;
* Military camouflage sweater;
* Lawyer’s wig;
* Two pairs of desert boots; and
* Other security-related accoutrements suspected to have been used in furtherance of impersonation and other unlawful activities.
The suspect is currently in Police custody and is undergoing intensive interrogation as investigators work to determine the source of the recovered items, establish the full extent of his activities, identify possible accomplices, and ascertain whether he is linked to other criminal offences within or outside the State.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, reassures residents that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to identifying and dismantling criminal networks, particularly individuals who exploit the identities of security agencies to perpetrate crimes, deceive unsuspecting members of the public, or bring the image of the nation’s security institutions into disrepute.
The Command warns members of the public against purchasing, possessing, or unlawfully wearing security uniforms, insignia, identity cards, or other restricted accoutrements. Such acts constitute serious criminal offences and will attract the full weight of the law.
Citizens are encouraged to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, activities, or anyone falsely presenting themselves as security personnel to the nearest Police Station. Public cooperation remains indispensable in the collective fight against crime and in ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Akwa Ibom State.