By: Abdullahi Inuwa
UYO — A man wanted over a deadly murder that shocked an Akwa Ibom community has finally been arrested after months in hiding, as the Akwa Ibom State Police Command intensified its offensive against violent crime with the dismantling of a notorious armed robbery syndicate operating in parts of the state.
The twin breakthroughs, which also led to the recovery of firearms, live ammunition and a suspected stolen motorcycle, underscore what police described as a sustained intelligence-driven campaign to flush out criminal networks across Akwa Ibom.
The most dramatic arrest involved Nsikak Akpan, who had allegedly gone underground after the killing of Markanson, both from Ikot Akpan-Edemaya in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.
According to the Command, the suspect allegedly murdered the victim on January 6, 2026, before disappearing in a bid to evade arrest. However, months of surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated tracking eventually paid off when detectives closed in on him and arrested him on June 30.
Police said the suspect confessed during interrogation, while the locally made Dane gun allegedly used in the killing was recovered. He is expected to face prosecution after the conclusion of investigations.
In another major operation, police operatives struck at a suspected armed robbery gang accused of attacking and dispossessing unsuspecting motorcycle riders in Ibiono Ibom and Itu Local Government Areas.
Acting on credible intelligence, officers stormed the gang’s hideout at Nasarawa Market in Mbak Itam Village, arresting Destiny Ekong, 22. An unregistered Mate C90 motorcycle believed to have been stolen from one of the gang’s victims was recovered during the raid.
Investigators subsequently tracked down another suspect, Anietie John, 50, at Mbiakpan Atan Village, where a search of his residence uncovered a single-barrel gun and eight live cartridges suspected to have been used for criminal activities.
Police said investigations are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover more weapons and stolen property.
Commending the officers behind the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, praised their professionalism and resilience, declaring that the Command would continue to take the fight to criminals across the state.
He warned those still engaged in criminal activities that Akwa Ibom would no longer provide a safe haven for lawbreakers, stressing that the Command’s strengthened intelligence network would continue to identify, track and dismantle criminal gangs.
The Commissioner also thanked residents for their support and timely information, urging them to remain vigilant and continue partnering with the police by providing credible intelligence to enhance security across the state.
About The Author
