The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reviewed the security situation in the state for the outgoing year, assuring residents of sustained peace and improved safety measures in 2026.
Speaking during an end-of-year press conference with journalists, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, said the state remained generally peaceful, calm, and stable throughout the year under review.
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According to him, the relative peace recorded was a result of intelligence-led policing, proactive patrols, strategic deployments, strong community cooperation, and effective inter-agency collaboration.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Command recorded notable operational successes, including the arrest of suspects linked to armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, violent crimes, and other criminal activities.
He added that the police recovered firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles, and other dangerous exhibits, while several criminal hideouts and identified black spots across the state were dismantled.
CP Azare noted that the Command also provided adequate security for political, social, religious, and economic activities across Akwa Ibom State, while ensuring strict enforcement of laws and government directives aimed at maintaining public order.
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On public safety, the Commissioner reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for jungle justice, unlawful gatherings, and activities capable of breaching public peace.
He confirmed full compliance with the state government’s Executive Order restricting masquerade activities to approved locations with mandatory police permission and security coverage, a move he said significantly reduced violence and disorder.
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Addressing the growing menace of misinformation, CP Azare expressed concern over the spread of fake news, particularly on social media platforms.
He revealed that arrests were made in connection with the fabrication and circulation of false information capable of causing panic and tension, warning that offenders would continue to face the full weight of the law.
He emphasized that community policing remains a core strategy of the Command, citing sustained engagements with traditional rulers, youth and women groups, religious leaders, market associations, transport unions, school administrators, and other critical stakeholders across the state.
### Key Achievements in 2025
The Commissioner highlighted several major achievements recorded by the Command, including:
Recovery of 179 assorted arms
Recovery of 323 different types of ammunition
Recovery of 100 live cartridges
Arrest of 563 suspects for various crimes, all charged to court
Recovery of 14 stolen vehicles, returned to their rightful owners
Rescue of 74 human trafficking victims, reunited with their families
Rescue of 10 kidnapped victims
Securing of 33 convictions within the year
Looking ahead to 2026, CP Azare outlined the Command’s strategic priorities to include:
Strengthening intelligence-led policing and crime prevention
Sustained crackdown on violent crimes, cultism, armed robbery, and kidnapping Deepening community policing and public trust
Combating cybercrime and the spread of fake news
Enhancing professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights
Improved deployment strategies and use of modern policing tools
Strengthening collaboration with sister security agencies
He assured residents that robust security measures are already in place for the festive season and beyond, with intensified patrols, stop-and-search operations, and strategic deployments across all Local Government Areas.
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The Commissioner expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for his leadership and policy direction, the Akwa Ibom State Government for its continuous support, sister security agencies for their cooperation, and officers and men of the Command for their dedication and sacrifice.
He also thanked the people of Akwa Ibom State for their trust and partnership, reaffirming the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property in 2026, while urging residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.