RismadarVoice Reporters, July 2, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded major operational breakthroughs with the arrest of a murder suspect who had been on the run for several months and the dismantling of a suspected armed robbery syndicate linked to motorcycle thefts in Ibiono Ibom and Itu Local Government Areas.
The Command said the operations, driven by intelligence gathering and sustained surveillance, underscore its commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, operatives arrested one Nsikak Akpan of Ikot Akpan-Edemaya in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, who had been on the Command’s wanted list over the alleged murder of one Markanson, also of the same community.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly committed the offence on January 6, 2026, before fleeing the area to evade arrest. Following months of intelligence-led investigations, operatives tracked and arrested him on June 30.
The statement said the suspect confessed to the crime during interrogation, while a locally made Dane gun allegedly used in the killing was recovered. He remains in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations and prosecution.
In a separate operation, police operatives acting on credible intelligence raided a suspected armed robbery hideout at Nasarawa Market in Mbak Itam Village, where they arrested a 22-year-old suspect, Destiny Ekong, of Afaha Ube Itam in Itu Local Government Area.
The police said an unregistered Mate C90 motorcycle suspected to have been stolen from a victim was recovered during the operation.
Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Anietie John, 50, of Mbiakpan Atan Village. A search of his residence reportedly yielded a single-barrel gun and eight rounds of live cartridges believed to be connected to criminal activities.
The police said both suspects are assisting investigators as efforts continue to arrest other members of the syndicate and recover additional exhibits.
Commending the officers involved in the operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, praised their professionalism and reaffirmed the Command’s determination to deny criminals a haven in the state.
He warned those involved in criminal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law, adding that the Command had strengthened its intelligence capabilities to detect and dismantle criminal networks.
The Commissioner also appreciated residents for providing useful information to the police and urged members of the public to continue supplying credible intelligence, assuring them that all information would be treated with strict confidentiality.
