In his inaugural press briefing at the State Police Command Headquarters in Uyo, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, outlined his strategic vision for enhancing security across the state. Emphasizing collaboration with the media, CP Azare, a trained journalist and member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), underscored the importance of accurate and timely information dissemination in maintaining public safety.
CP Azare announced the implementation of an open-door policy, facilitating direct communication between the police and the public. He has directed that his personal GSM number, along with those of Deputy Commissioners, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical commanders, and the Police Control Room, be made available to the public through the Police Public Relations Officer. This initiative aims to foster trust and encourage community involvement in security matters.
The Commissioner highlighted specific security concerns, including, Herdsmen-Farmer Conflicts: CP Azare reaffirmed the enforcement of state grazing laws to prevent encroachment and destruction of farmlands, warning that perpetrators will face full legal consequences.
Communal Clashes: The Command is actively profiling sponsors of communal violence to hold them accountable, aiming to protect youths from exploitation by selfish individuals.
CP Azare detailed several successful operations conducted by the Command, Vandalism and Theft: Two suspects, Prosper Brownson Jim and Uduak Sunday Benson, were arrested for vandalizing a transformer at Sure Foundation Polytechnic in Ukanafun LGA, resulting in the theft of transformer oil and armored cables valued at approximately ₦4.3 million. Recovered items include the transformer, armored cables, and items suspected to be charms.
Four state fire service trucks, illicitly leased to multinational companies, were recovered in Port Harcourt. Four suspects have been arrested and will face prosecution, while the trucks have been returned to serve the public.
Six individuals were arrested following the report of a 13-year-old victim subjected to repeated sexual abuse over three years. The suspects, including Okwudili Levi Okeke, have been linked to a network engaging in such acts and will be prosecuted accordingly.
A Director with the Ministry of Justice and his niece were rescued unharmed from a kidnappers’ den in Ikot Ukpong Village, Abak LGA. Two suspects were neutralized, and further arrests are anticipated as investigations continue.
Notable arrests include Victor Saviour Nwabara, a student and leader of the Ku Klux Klan Confraternity, and Etinyene Joseph Bassey, head of the Italian Mafia secret cult in specific areas. Recovered items include locally made pistols, live cartridges, and charms.
Otobong Godwin Essien was arrested for impersonating a medical doctor and defrauding individuals of over ₦3.5 million through a fake health promotion scheme. Recovered exhibits include fake ID cards, stickers, and suspected noxious substances
A suspect, Godwin Ben Okon, was apprehended with an unregistered GLA 250 4MATIC Mercedes Benz suspected to be stolen. Investigations are ongoing to trace the vehicle’s origin.
Operatives arrested Francis Bassey Ekpo and Ezekiel Nse Okon of Ikpanya Village, Ibiono Ibom LGA, who had kidnapped three individuals and demanded a ₦5 million ransom. The victims were rescued unharmed, and efforts are underway to apprehend the gang’s kingpin and other members.
Ten tricycle operators were arrested in Ewet Housing Estate during early morning hours. These individuals are suspected of collaborating with criminals to transport stolen items and engaging in robbery and vandalism. Investigations are ongoing.
CP Azare reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to eradicating criminal activities in Akwa Ibom State, urging citizens to continue their lawful pursuits and report any suspicious activities. He assured the public of the Command’s dedication to maintaining peace and security, emphasizing that the state will no longer serve as a haven for criminals.
The Commissioner concluded by expressing gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for his unwavering support and to the media for their role in shaping public opinion and promoting peace and security. He encouraged media practitioners to verify facts with the Police Public Relations Officer to ensure accurate reporting, marking the end of an era where efforts to speak to the police proved abortive.
For further inquiries, the public is encouraged to utilize the contact information provided through the Police Public Relations Officer.
