By Abdullahi Inuwa
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered two locally made pistols and two machetes during an operation in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of the state.
The breakthrough followed a distress alert received by police operatives in the early hours of September 14, 2026, after a reported violent attack at Ikot Ekweng Village.
According to the Command, its patrol team was on vehicular patrol at about 5:00 a.m. when the emergency alert came through the Police Control Room, directing officers to the affected community.
The operatives immediately moved to the scene, where they met an Inspector identified as Henry, who reported that he had been attacked by a man identified as Ini Mfon.
Preliminary police information indicated that the suspect allegedly attacked the officer with a machete while attempting to dispossess him of his tricycle.
The officer reportedly sustained an injury to his right hand during the attack.
Following the report, the police team launched an immediate follow-up operation which led officers to the suspect’s residence, where he was arrested.
A search of the premises subsequently resulted in the recovery of two locally manufactured pistols and two machetes, which the police said were allegedly found in the suspect’s possession.
The discovery of the weapons has widened the scope of the investigation, with detectives working to establish their source and determine whether they may have been linked to previous criminal activities.
The Police Command is also investigating whether the suspect has any connection with other suspected criminals or criminal networks operating within Ibiono Ibom or neighbouring areas.
The suspect remains in police custody and is assisting investigators, while the recovered firearms and machetes have been secured as exhibits.
Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the officers involved in the operation for their prompt response, courage and professionalism.
Azare said the arrest demonstrated the Command’s determination to confront violent crime and the circulation of illegal firearms across the state.
He said the police would sustain intelligence-led operations, targeted raids, aggressive patrols and other lawful measures aimed at disrupting criminal networks and recovering illicit weapons.
The Commissioner warned individuals involved in armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and other violent crimes that the state would not serve as a safe haven for criminal elements.
He equally called on residents to strengthen their partnership with the police by promptly reporting suspicious persons, criminal hideouts and the movement or possession of illegal firearms in their communities.
According to him, credible information supplied to the police would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
The Command said investigation into the case is ongoing and that the suspect would be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation.
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