By: Abdullahi Inuwa
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched a massive crackdown on criminal networks across the state, leading to the recovery of 69 firearms, arrest of 178 suspects and rescue of several kidnapped and human trafficking victims.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed the major operational breakthroughs during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, declaring that Akwa Ibom would remain “unsafe for criminals.”
According to the police boss, the successes were achieved through intelligence-led operations, coordinated raids, stop-and-search exercises, tactical patrols and surveillance operations targeting identified criminal hideouts across the state.
The Command said the operations dealt heavy blows to armed robbery syndicates, kidnappers, cult groups, drug traffickers, burglars and illegal arms dealers operating within Akwa Ibom.
One of the most dramatic breakthroughs came during an intelligence-driven raid at Okobo Ebughu in Mbo Local Government Area, where operatives arrested a suspected drug kingpin, Francis Akpan, alongside four accomplices.
Police recovered 23 large bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp from the suspect’s residence, along with a motorcycle and dismantled outboard boat engines believed to be linked to criminal activities.
CP Azare said the discovery exposed the growing transnational dimension of illicit drug trafficking operations within and beyond Akwa Ibom State.
In another operation along the Aka Road/Ukana Offot axis, operatives intercepted a suspicious man riding an electric scooter. The suspect reportedly abandoned the scooter and fled on sighting the police.
A search conducted on the abandoned bag led to the recovery of suspected charms, a mask, substances believed to be Indian hemp and a locally fabricated pistol.
The police said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect and dismantle the criminal network connected to him.
Operatives also arrested one Aniefiok Mbana of Ikot Ukam Village over alleged unlawful possession of firearms and theft.
Recovered from the suspect were a suspected stolen motorcycle, one fabricated pistol, one dane gun, live and expended cartridges as well as assorted charms.
In a separate operation, police arrested 28-year-old Uduak Daniel, alleged to be a member of a robbery gang notorious for dispossessing commercial motorcycle riders of their motorcycles at gunpoint.
Items recovered from him included a locally made pistol, axe, knife, suspected charms, wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and several other incriminating items.
The Command further disclosed that another suspect, Asuquo Okon, 63, was arrested during a stop-and-search operation at James Town Junction while transporting two large bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
Police said investigations were ongoing to identify other members of the illicit drug network.
Giving a breakdown of the weapons recovered during the operations, CP Azare revealed that the Command seized 69 firearms, including 34 locally made pistols, three Beretta pistols, one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, one pump-action gun, double and single-barrel guns, dane guns and other locally fabricated weapons.
A total of 468 rounds of ammunition were also recovered during the operations.
The police boss disclosed that those arrested included 27 suspected armed robbers, six suspected kidnappers, 14 murder suspects, 49 suspected cultists, 22 suspected vandals and 60 burglary and stealing suspects.
Beyond the arrests, the Command rescued 11 victims of human trafficking, 16 kidnapped victims and recovered three suspected stolen vehicles.
CP Azare commended officers and men of the Command for what he described as professionalism, courage and dedication to duty, adding that the achievements reflected the operational strength of the police in the state.
He also appreciated the Akwa Ibom State Government under Governor Umo Eno for its continued support to security agencies in the fight against crime.
The Commissioner announced that outstanding officers involved in the successful operations would receive commendation certificates in recognition of their gallantry and exceptional service.
While appreciating residents for providing useful intelligence, the police boss warned criminals to either abandon crime or face the full weight of the law.
“Your days are numbered. There will be no safe haven and no breathing space for criminals in Akwa Ibom State,” CP Azare declared.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying intelligence gathering, tactical operations and community policing efforts to sustain peace and security across the state.
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