By Abdullahi Inuwa
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismantled another suspected armed robbery network operating across Ikono, Ini and Obot Akara Local Government Areas, arresting six suspects and recovering firearms, a suspected stolen motorcycle, laptops and alleged fetish materials.
The suspects were arrested in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026, during a coordinated police clearance operation targeting identified criminal hideouts within the three local government areas.
The operation, led by the officer in charge of the Command’s tactical team, followed what the police described as sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance aimed at tracking down members and associates of the suspected criminal network.
According to the Command, the gang had been linked to criminal activities involving the theft, movement and disposal of motorcycles and other valuables.
Among those arrested was a 37-year-old man identified as Boniface Essiet, of Ikot Akpan Ntim Village, Ikono LGA, whom the police alleged was providing charms and other fetish materials to members of the gang.
Another suspect, Victor Igwe, 23, from Mbiabong Ukan Ikot Etefia Village, was allegedly involved in producing fake receipts used in the purported sale and disposal of suspected stolen motorcycles and other property.
The other suspects were identified as Peter Sabbath, 34, of Ikot Inyang Village, Ikot Ekpene LGA; Joseph Udo, 25, of Nung Ukim Ikot Okorie Village, Ikono LGA; Simeon Udo, 47, of Itak Ikot Akpandem Village, Ikono LGA; and Uko Akang, of Asanting Village.
Police said Akang was arrested while allegedly in possession of a red Qlink motorcycle, registration number AUQ 73 VC, suspected to have been stolen.
The operation also yielded the recovery of two single-barrel shotguns, three laptops and the motorcycle, while local charms and other fetish items were recovered from the shrine allegedly belonging to the suspected native doctor.
The Command said additional materials considered relevant to the investigation were also recovered.
The arrests represent another phase of the police operation aimed at breaking the network’s infrastructure, particularly those allegedly involved in stealing motorcycles, producing fraudulent documentation and providing support to suspected criminals.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the tactical operatives for what he described as courage, professionalism and commitment to intelligence-led policing.
Azare directed the investigators to intensify efforts to determine the individual roles allegedly played by each suspect and to trace other stolen property believed to be connected to the network.
He also ordered the police to pursue other suspected members and collaborators who may still be at large.
The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s determination to employ proactive and intelligence-driven policing to identify criminal elements, disrupt their networks and ensure that those found culpable face the law.
The Command further assured residents that efforts would continue to deny suspected criminals safe havens across Akwa Ibom and dismantle networks allegedly involved in violent and property-related crimes.
The suspects remain subjects of investigation, and their individual culpability will be determined through due process of law.
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