By Abdullahi Inuwa
Uyo — A major suspected criminal network operating across parts of Akwa Ibom State has suffered a major setback after police operatives arrested six suspected members and recovered locally fabricated firearms, ammunition and six motorcycles suspected to have been stolen.
The operation, which police described as an intelligence-led breakthrough, began after the Akwa Ibom State Police Command received credible information on September 5, 2026, about the movement of a suspected gang from Ikono Local Government Area towards Ini.
The suspects were reportedly on their way to carry out a criminal operation when police operatives mobilised and launched a coordinated pursuit.
The chase reportedly stretched from Ini Local Government Area towards the boundary between Akwa Ibom and Abia states.
At the border community, police operatives intercepted the suspects and arrested three members of the gang, including its alleged ring leader.
One other suspect, however, reportedly escaped during the operation.
Rather than end the operation with the initial arrests, investigators subjected the suspects to further intelligence-led interrogation, which police said provided information that helped expose other alleged members of the network.
The investigation subsequently led to the arrest of three additional suspects, bringing the number of suspects arrested to six.
The suspects are Gideon Udoh, 23, also known as Holy Water Blood; Martins Udo, 36; Bassey Ukpong, 22, alias Ekpor; Aniebiet Dominic, 25, alias Two Second; David Idaha, 32, alias Black; and Joseph Udo, 25, whom police identified as the gang’s alleged technical operative.
All six suspects are from communities in Ikono Local Government Area, according to the police.
Long List Of Alleged Crimes
Police investigators said preliminary findings have linked the suspects to several serious offences allegedly committed across Akwa Ibom and neighbouring areas.
The allegations include armed robbery, kidnapping, abduction, hostage-taking, car snatching, rape, cult-related activities, illicit drug dealing, extortion, demanding by menace, malicious damage and attempted murder.
The Command stressed that investigations are ongoing to establish the individual roles of the suspects and determine the extent of the gang’s alleged criminal operations.
Among the items recovered were two locally fabricated shotguns, two live cartridges, three expended cartridges and six serviceable motorcycles suspected to have been stolen.
The recovery of the motorcycles is expected to form part of the ongoing investigation as police work to determine their ownership and establish how they allegedly came into the possession of the suspects.
CP Azare Warns Criminals
Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the officers involved in the operation for what he described as their courage and professionalism.
Azare reaffirmed the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and prevent Akwa Ibom from becoming a safe haven for violent criminals.
He said the police would continue to rely on intelligence-led policing, tactical operations and collaboration with other security agencies to identify and apprehend criminal elements.
The Command also appealed to residents across the state to remain vigilant and provide timely information about suspicious persons, movements and activities.
According to the police, credible information from residents can play a decisive role in preventing attacks and dismantling criminal networks before they strike.
The Command assured residents that information provided to the police would be treated with the necessary confidentiality.
Meanwhile, efforts are continuing to track down the suspect who escaped during the operation, while investigators are also working to determine whether other members of the alleged network remain at large.
The police said the six suspects currently in custody would face further investigation as authorities work to uncover the full scope of the alleged criminal activities.
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