In a sweeping offensive against criminality, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 54 suspects and recovered a cache of weapons, stolen properties, and vandalized public infrastructure following a sustained, intelligence-led operation spanning May to mid-June 2025.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, disclosed this during a press briefing held Thursday at the State Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia. The CP praised the media’s partnership and emphasized that the command has maintained an “uncompromising operational tempo” to rid the state of criminal networks.
A total of 30 suspected cultists were arrested across multiple local government areas. Notably, operatives stormed hideouts in Ntak Inyang, Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan, Abak, and Mbo, arresting members of secret cults including the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, Black Axe, Kuklux Klan, and Debam confraternity. Recovered from these suspects were 18 locally made pistols, machetes, charms, battle axes, and cult regalia.
Several cultists were also linked to other heinous crimes. In Mbo, one Uwem Edet Eyo aka “Masterly” confessed to the August 2024 kidnap and gruesome murder of three marine hunters, whose bodies were found beheaded and buried in a shallow grave.
In separate operations, armed robbery suspects were arrested in Uyo, Oruk Anam, Etinan, and other locations. Weapons recovered include cut-to-size double barrel guns, locally made pistols, and live cartridges. The police also recovered vehicles, stolen motorcycles, facemasks, and other robbery tools.
The Command apprehended seven suspected kidnappers during a well-coordinated sting in Oron and Nsit Eket. A Lexus RX 300 SUV and multiple mobile phones were recovered. In another dramatic operation, marine police operatives repelled sea pirates along the Oron–Calabar waterways, rescuing victims and recovering a speedboat fitted with a 200HP Yamaha engine, ammunition, charms, and stolen personal items.
CP Azare revealed a disturbing trend in the vandalization of public assets, especially electrical infrastructure, school property, and street lighting cables. Six suspects were arrested for vandalism, including Salvation Emmanuel Jim, caught red-handed stripping Bishop Clarks Central Primary School in Abak. Recovered items included school furniture, chalk, tools, and training equipment belonging to SUBEB.
A separate arrest led to the recovery of transformer coils and heavy-duty tools from a mini-bus in Ekparakwa. The driver, Aniekan Clement Timothy, was nabbed while others fled.
Burglary rings were also crushed. At least four burglary suspects were arrested, including those who broke into a supermarket in Uyo. The police recovered 14 sewing machine heads, a generator, and several household and electronic items stolen from residences.
In a chilling case, Alexander Ben Peter, 29, was arrested in Oruk Anam for the murder of his 71-year-old biological mother, using a machete. The case has sparked outrage and is currently under investigation.
Police Send Strong Message
The CP assured that investigations are ongoing and all suspects will be arraigned. He commended officers for their resilience and warned that Akwa Ibom will not be a haven for criminals.
“We have dismantled cult cells, crushed burglary syndicates, thwarted kidnappers, repelled pirates, and intercepted vandals and robbers. Let this serve as a clear message—Akwa Ibom is no playground for criminals,” CP Azare said.
He called on citizens to continue sharing actionable intelligence with law enforcement, reiterating that collaboration is key to community safety.
Summary of May–June 2025 Operations:
54 suspects arrested, including:
30 suspected cultists
7 suspected kidnappers
6 vandals
6 armed robbers
4 burglary/stealing suspects
1 murder suspect
Weapons and equipment recovered:
50 arms/ammunition (including 18 pistols and 3 shotguns)
14 live cartridges
2 vehicles, multiple motorcycles
Charms, axes, and cult insignia
School property and infrastructure materials
Three kidnap victims rescued
The Command vowed to sustain the crackdown, promising zero tolerance for any form of criminality.
