RismadarVoice Reporters
September 21, 2026
Police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested a suspected armed robber accused of attacking an officer with a machete while allegedly attempting to dispossess him of his tricycle in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
Two locally made pistols and two machetes were recovered after operatives traced the suspect to his residence following the September 14 attack at Ikot Ekweng Village, according to the State Police Command.
The command’s spokesperson, Timfon John, said officers on vehicular patrol received a distress alert from the Command Control Room at about 5am and were directed to the community.
According to the police, the patrol team met an officer identified as Inspector Henry, who alleged that he had been attacked by a suspect identified as Ini Mfon.
Police said the suspect allegedly attacked the officer with a machete while attempting to dispossess him of his tricycle, leaving him with an injury to his right hand.
Following the report, operatives traced the suspect to his residence and arrested him.
“A subsequent search of the premises led to the recovery of two locally made pistols and two machetes, allegedly found in his possession,” the police said.
The command said detectives had commenced further investigation to establish the source of the recovered weapons and determine whether they had been used in previous criminal activities.
Investigators are also working to establish whether the suspect has any connection with other criminal networks operating within or outside Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
Police said the suspect remained in custody and was assisting investigators, while the recovered firearms and machetes had been secured as exhibits.
POLICE VOW INTENSIFIED OPERATIONS
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the officers involved in the operation for what he described as their prompt response and professionalism.
Azare said the command would continue intelligence-led operations, targeted raids and patrols aimed at recovering illegally held firearms and disrupting criminal networks across the state.
“We will continue to intensify intelligence-led policing, targeted raids, aggressive patrols and other lawful security operations aimed at recovering illegal firearms and dismantling criminal networks across the State. Any credible information supplied to the Police will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” he said.
The commissioner also warned against armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms, urging residents to provide security agencies with credible information about suspicious activities and the movement of illegal weapons.
The allegations against the suspect remain subject to police investigation and any subsequent judicial proceedings.
