The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant security success following the recovery of 69 firearms, arrest of 178 suspects, and rescue of 27 victims in a coordinated statewide crackdown on criminal activities.
Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, on Monday. He said the achievements were the result of sustained intelligence-driven operations, surveillance, raids, stop-and-search exercises and tactical interventions across crime-prone areas of the state.
According to him, the operations were targeted at armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related activities, illegal possession of firearms, drug trafficking, burglary and other violent crimes, adding that the Command remains committed to denying criminals any safe space within Akwa Ibom.
One of the major breakthroughs, he said, was the arrest of an alleged drug baron, Francis Akpan, alongside four suspected accomplices during an intelligence-led raid at Okobo Ebughu in Mbo Local Government Area. Operatives reportedly recovered 23 large bags of dried weeds suspected to be Indian hemp from his residence, as well as a motorcycle and dismantled outboard engines suspected to be linked to criminal operations.
In another operation along the Aka Road–Ukana Offot axis, police intercepted a suspect on an electric scooter who abandoned the vehicle and fled into an unfinished building upon sighting operatives. Items recovered at the scene included suspected charms, a mask, substances believed to be Indian hemp, and a locally fabricated pistol. Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect.
The Command also arrested one Aniefiok Mbana of Ikot Ukam Village for alleged theft and unlawful possession of firearms. Recovered items included a suspected stolen motorcycle, a fabricated pistol, a dane gun, cartridges, and suspected charms.
Similarly, 28-year-old Uduak Daniel was arrested in connection with a robbery syndicate allegedly involved in stealing motorcycles at gunpoint. Exhibits recovered from him included a locally made pistol, weapons, suspected charms, drugs, mobile phones and other items, while other gang members remain at large.
In a separate stop-and-search operation at James Town Junction, officers arrested 63-year-old Asuquo Okon of Etebi Village, Esit Eket LGA, while allegedly conveying two bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp. Investigations are ongoing to identify other persons linked to the case.
Providing an operational breakdown, CP Azare stated that the Command recovered 69 firearms, including locally made pistols, Beretta pistols, single and double-barrel guns, a G3 rifle, AK-47 rifle, pump-action gun, dane guns and others, alongside 468 rounds of ammunition.
He further revealed that 178 suspects were arrested, including armed robbers, kidnappers, murder suspects, cultists, vandals, and burglary suspects. In addition, 27 trafficking victims were rescued, 16 kidnapped victims regained freedom, and three stolen vehicles were recovered.
Azare commended officers of the Command for their professionalism and bravery, announcing that those involved in the operations would be rewarded with commendation certificates. He also appreciated the support of the state government and residents for providing useful intelligence.
He assured that security operations would continue across the state, warning criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities.
“Our operations will continue until criminals are completely denied space to operate, there will be no safe haven for criminal elements in Akwa Ibom State,” he said.