By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against crime, dismantling militant groups, illegal arms factories, cult networks, and robbery gangs operating across the state.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed this during a press briefing held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the Command Headquarters in Uyo. He said the recent successes reflect the Command’s renewed operational strategies anchored on intelligence gathering, proactive patrols, and collaboration with sister agencies and community stakeholders.
“These achievements, from the creeks of Mbo to the heart of Uyo, underscore our unwavering commitment to rid Akwa Ibom of criminal elements and ensure the safety of all law-abiding citizens,” the Commissioner said.
Militant Leader Arrested, Village Head on the Run: On November 3, operatives of the Command, working with Marine Hunters, intercepted one Samuel Geofrey, 27, from Bayelsa State, identified as a key militant involved in sea piracy and kidnapping.
The suspect led police to Ine Eyoabasi Fishing Village in Mbo, where his alleged accomplice, the village head Kingdom Bane, fled upon sighting security teams.
A search of his residence yielded several stolen items, including multiple marine engines, generators, household items, and personal belongings of victims of sea robbery. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing village head.
Illegal Gun Factory Busted in Itu;
On October 24, police operatives stormed Ekiti Itam Village in Itu LGA and dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing facility.
Two suspects Aniekan Aniedi (39) and Ubong Udofia (35) were arrested, and several locally fabricated guns, metal pipes, welding tools, and gun components were recovered.
Investigations are ongoing to trace their links to armed robbery and cult networks in the area.
Stolen Property Syndicates Crushed: The Command also arrested Umar Bello from Sokoto State, found in possession of 31 suspected stolen phones, including iPhones, Redmi, and Infinix brands, which he attempted to send to Kano.
In another operation, five suspects Musa Sanni, Utibe Nkop, Dadati John, Abdulrashid Sanni, and Editi Eberedem — were arrested for dealing in stolen tricycles and phones.
Police recovered three tricycles and 72 mobile phones.
Additionally, two suspects, Maxwell Asuquo and Etin Akpan, were arrested for stealing motor spare parts at Mbiabong Etoi, Uyo.
Masquerade Robbers and Cult Leaders Nabbed: Police also apprehended Solomon Edem of Abak LGA, who disguised as a masquerade to rob unsuspecting victims. He was found with machetes, masks, charms, and an animal skull.
Two other suspects, Uwem Umanah and David Michael, identified as leaders of the “Ekpo” masquerade cult, were charged for unlawful assembly, highway blockade, and extortion.
Armed Robbers, Cultists, and Burglars in Police Net: On November 3, operatives arrested a four-man robbery syndicate Sunday Samson, Imoh Peter, Saviour Jimmy, and Ubong Umana recovering nine stolen motorcycles.
Another suspect, Eyibio Subsidy, was arrested for robbing a resident of a boat engine and insecticide sprayer at Edeminyang Okoho.
Following intelligence from residents, police also recovered 52 rounds of 9mm ammunition and three live cartridges in Abak.
In Uyo, three suspected burglars, Israel Udo, Nsikak Okon, and Okechukwu Livinus were caught with stolen items including batteries and tools used for breaking into shops.
The Command further arrested Samuel Okon, Joseph Okon, and David Robert all ex-convicts for armed robbery. Recovered items included three locally made pistols.
