By Solomon OKPO
Uyo, The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced a string of major breakthroughs in its ongoing war against crime, ranging from cultism, kidnapping, and armed robbery to human trafficking and illicit drug activities.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed the successes during a press briefing on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo. He attributed the achievements to the commitment of operatives, credible intelligence, and the support of residents of the state.
Between August 1 and September 2, 2025, the Command recorded 20 major cases, including the rescue of 20 Ghanaian nationals trafficked into Uyo, the arrest of a notorious human trafficker, the foiling of a kidnap attempt in Eket, and the dismantling of armed robbery and car theft syndicates.
Highlights of the operations include:
Cultism and Armed Robbery: Several suspected cultists were arrested across Eket, Abak, Obot Akara, and Ikot Ekpene. Recovered items included firearms, ammunition, fetish objects, and even a human skull.
Kidnapping: Police neutralized a notorious kidnapper in Mkpat Enin and arrested others linked to recent abductions in Eket. A cache of weapons, including AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns, was seized.
Human Trafficking: In a joint operation with INTERPOL and the Ghana Police Service, 20 Ghanaian victims were rescued from a compound in Uyo. In another sting, a 47-year-old trafficker from Edo State was arrested while attempting to traffic young women abroad.
Car Theft Syndicate: A five-man syndicate specializing in stealing and fabricating stolen vehicles was smashed, with nine vehicle number plates, camouflage uniforms, and documents recovered.
Illicit Medical Practices: A fake ophthalmologist who administered unapproved concoctions to over 300 unsuspecting victims was arrested in Itu LGA.
Drug Trafficking: Four suspected drug dealers were nabbed in Uyo with substances believed to be Indian hemp.
The Commissioner of Police assured that all suspects would face prosecution, stressing that the Command will not relent in its efforts to rid Akwa Ibom of crime.
“These operational successes underscore the dedication and professionalism of our officers, as well as the support of law-abiding citizens. Let me assure the people of Akwa Ibom that the Police Command remains resolute in making the state safe for all,” Azare stated.
The Command urged residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies to sustain the momentum in crime fighting.
