The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its ongoing crackdown on criminal activities across the state, including the recovery of 69 firearms, arrest of 178 suspects, and the rescue of victims of kidnapping and human trafficking.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Nigeria Police Force, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to making the state unsafe for criminals.
He said the achievements were made possible through intelligence-led policing, coordinated raids, stop-and-search operations, surveillance, and tactical interventions conducted across identified criminal hotspots in the state.
According to him, the operations targeted crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, burglary, vandalism, and human trafficking.
One of the major breakthroughs, he said, was the arrest of a suspected drug kingpin, Francis Akpan, and four others during an intelligence-led operation at Okobo Ebughu in Mbo Local Government Area.
Police operatives reportedly recovered 23 large bags of dried weeds suspected to be Indian hemp from the suspect’s residence, alongside a motorcycle and dismantled outboard engine parts believed to be linked to criminal activities.
In another operation along the Aka Road–Ukana Offot axis, officers intercepted a suspect on an electric scooter who fled upon sighting the police. A search of his abandoned bag led to the recovery of suspected charms, a mask, substances believed to be Indian hemp, and a locally fabricated pistol. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Similarly, one Aniefiok Mbana was arrested for alleged theft and unlawful possession of firearms. Items recovered included a suspected stolen motorcycle, a fabricated pistol, a dane gun, ammunition, and suspected charms.
The Command also arrested Uduak Daniel, 28, believed to be part of a robbery syndicate targeting motorcycle riders. Items recovered from him included a locally made pistol, weapons, illicit substances, mobile phones, and other incriminating materials.
In another development, operatives intercepted a 63-year-old suspect, Asuquo Okon, at James Town Junction while transporting two large bags of suspected Indian hemp.
CP Azare revealed that within the period under review, the Command recovered a total of 69 firearms comprising locally made pistols, Beretta pistols, rifles including an AK-47, pump action guns, dane guns, and other weapons, alongside 468 rounds of ammunition.
He added that 178 suspects were arrested across various categories, including 27 armed robbers, six kidnappers, 14 murder suspects, 49 cultists, 22 vandals, and 60 burglary and theft suspects.
The Command further confirmed the rescue of 11 human trafficking victims and 16 kidnapped persons, as well as the recovery of three stolen vehicles.
CP Azare commended officers of the Command for their professionalism and bravery, and praised the support of the state government under Governor Umo Eno, noting that such collaboration has strengthened security operations in the state.
He also announced that commendation certificates would be awarded to officers who distinguished themselves during the operations, as part of efforts to boost morale and encourage operational excellence.
The Commissioner warned criminal elements to steer clear of Akwa Ibom State, insisting that ongoing intelligence-led operations would continue to deny them safe havens.
“Your days are numbered. There will be no safe haven for criminals in Akwa Ibom State,” he warned.
The Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining peace, security, and protection of lives and property across all communities in the state through intensified patrols, intelligence gathering, and community policing initiatives.