RismadarVoice Reporters
May 25, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has recorded breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on criminal activities across the state, leading to the recovery of 69 firearms, the arrest of 178 suspects, and the rescue of several kidnapped and trafficked victims.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters.
According to the police commissioner, the successes were achieved through intelligence-led policing, coordinated raids, surveillance operations, stop-and-search exercises and tactical interventions targeted at identified criminal hideouts across the state.
He said the operations led to breakthroughs against armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, drug trafficking, burglary, illegal possession of firearms and other violent crimes.
One of the major operations, according to the CP, resulted in the arrest of a suspected drug kingpin, Francis Akpan, and four accomplices during an intelligence-driven raid in Okobo Ebughu, Mbo Local Government Area.
Azare said operatives stormed the suspect’s residence and recovered 23 large bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The police also recovered a motorcycle and dismantled outboard boat engines believed to be linked to other criminal activities.
The commissioner said the discovery highlighted the transnational nature of illicit drug trafficking networks operating within and outside the state.
In another operation along the Aka Road/Ukana Offot axis in Uyo, police operatives intercepted a suspect riding an electric scooter.
The suspect reportedly abandoned the scooter and escaped through an unfinished building after sighting security operatives.
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.
Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and dismantle the criminal network linked to him.
Similarly, operatives arrested one Aniefiok Mbana of Ikot Ukam Village over alleged stealing and unlawful possession of firearms.
Items recovered from the suspect included a suspected stolen motorcycle, one fabricated pistol, one dane gun, four expended cartridges, one live cartridge and assorted suspected charms.
The command also arrested one Uduak Daniel, 28, alleged to be a member of a robbery syndicate known for dispossessing motorcycle riders of their motorcycles at gunpoint.
Recovered from the suspect were a locally made pistol, axe, knife, suspected charms, wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, bottles of illicit substances, mobile phones and other incriminating items.
Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.
In another intelligence-led stop-and-search operation at James Town Junction, operatives arrested a 63-year-old suspect, Asuquo Okon, while transporting two large bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The command said investigations were ongoing to identify other persons connected to the illicit trade.
Giving a breakdown of items recovered during the operations, the commissioner said the command recovered 69 firearms, including 34 locally made pistols, three Beretta pistols, 10 single-barrel guns, four double-barrel guns, one G3 rifle, 12 dane guns, one pump-action gun and one AK-47 rifle.
A total of 468 rounds of ammunition were also recovered during separate operations across the state.
The police further disclosed that 27 suspected armed robbers, six suspected kidnappers, 14 murder suspects, 49 suspected cultists, 22 suspected vandals and 60 burglary and stealing suspects were arrested within the review period.
The command also rescued 11 victims of human trafficking, 16 kidnapped victims and recovered three suspected stolen vehicles.
Azare commended officers and men of the command for their professionalism and dedication to duty, noting that the achievements reflected the operational resilience of the force in tackling crime across the state.
He also appreciated the support of the Akwa Ibom State Government under Governor Umo Eno in strengthening security operations.
The commissioner announced that commendation certificates would be awarded to officers who distinguished themselves during the operations as part of efforts to reward professionalism and boost morale.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, stressing that security remained a collective responsibility.
“Your days are numbered. There will be no haven and no breathing space for criminals in Akwa Ibom State,” the CP warned.
