RismadarVoice Reporters, June 29, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally fabricated firearm during a coordinated operation in Uyo, as part of its ongoing crackdown on violent crime across the state.
The arrest followed a distress call received at about 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, from a resident of Ikot Okubo Village in Uyo Local Government Area, reporting that suspected armed robbers were operating within the community.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, operatives deployed on stop-and-search duty along the Mayflower axis of Oron Road responded swiftly to the report and mobilised to the area.
The police, working in collaboration with members of the community youth, cordoned off and combed the neighbourhood, leading to the arrest of a suspect identified as Edidiong Udoeyen.
A medium-sized locally fabricated firearm was recovered from the suspect during the operation.
The Command said other members of the suspected criminal gang fled on sighting the police, adding that a manhunt had been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The arrested suspect is currently in police custody and will undergo further investigation to determine his level of involvement in the alleged criminal activities and to help identify other members of the gang.
Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, commended members of the community for their vigilance and timely information, which he said contributed significantly to the success of the operation.
He reiterated that effective policing depends on strong collaboration between the police and the public and urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information, assuring them that all reports would be treated with strict confidentiality.
The Commissioner further reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led and proactive policing aimed at protecting lives and property and denying criminals a haven anywhere in the state.
The statement stressed that the Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains determined to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure a safe and secure environment for residents.
