BY SOLOMON OKPO
The Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom State Command, has recorded sweeping operational successes in its ongoing war against crime, recovering 69 firearms, arresting 178 suspects linked to various criminal activities, and rescuing several victims of kidnapping and human trafficking across the state.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Uyo, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, declared that the Command has intensified intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring public confidence in security architecture across the state.
The Police boss disclosed that the Command’s coordinated raids, surveillance missions, stop-and-search operations, and tactical deployments in identified black spots have led to significant breakthroughs against armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, burglary, and other violent crimes.
Among the major breakthroughs was the arrest of an alleged drug kingpin, identified as Francis Akpan, alongside four accomplices during an intelligence-led operation at Okobo Ebughu in Mbo Local Government Area.
According to the CP, operatives stormed the suspect’s residence following credible intelligence and recovered 23 large bags containing dried weeds suspected to be Indian hemp. A motorcycle and dismantled outboard boat engines suspected to be linked to criminal activities were also recovered during the operation.
The Commissioner noted that the discovery exposes the growing transnational dimension of illicit drug trafficking operations within and beyond Akwa Ibom State.
In another operation along the Aka Road/Ukana Offot axis, police operatives intercepted a suspicious man riding an electric scooter. The suspect reportedly abandoned the scooter and fled through an uncompleted building after sighting the police.
A search conducted on the abandoned bag led to the recovery of suspected charms, a mask, substances believed to be Indian hemp, and a locally fabricated pistol. Police said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect and uncover the criminal network connected to him.
Similarly, operatives acting on intelligence arrested one Aniefiok Mbana of Ikot Ukam Village over alleged stealing and unlawful possession of firearms.
Items recovered from the suspect included a suspected stolen motorcycle, one fabricated pistol, one dane gun, four expended cartridges, one live cartridge, and assorted charms.
The Command also arrested one Uduak Daniel, 28, alleged to be a member of a robbery syndicate notorious for dispossessing commercial motorcyclists of their motorcycles at gunpoint.
Recovered from the suspect were a locally made pistol, axe, knife, suspected charms, wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, illicit substances, mobile phones, rings, and other incriminating items. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members.
In another intelligence-led stop-and-search operation at James Town Junction, operatives arrested a 63-year-old suspect, Asuquo Okon of Etebi Village in Esit Eket Local Government Area, while allegedly transporting two large bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The Commissioner of Police revealed that within the review period, the Command recovered a total of 69 firearms, including 34 locally made pistols, three Beretta pistols, 10 single-barrel guns, four double-barrel guns, one G3 rifle, one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action gun, 12 dane guns, and other assorted weapons.
Additionally, 468 rounds of ammunition were recovered during separate operations across the state.
The Command further disclosed that those arrested include 27 suspected armed robbers, six suspected kidnappers, 14 murder suspects, 49 suspected cultists, 22 suspected vandals, and 60 burglary and stealing suspects.
Police also rescued 11 victims of human trafficking, 16 kidnapped victims, and recovered three suspected stolen vehicles.
CP Azare commended officers and men of the Command for what he described as professionalism, bravery, discipline, and operational resilience in combating crime across the state.
He also appreciated the support of the Akwa Ibom State Government under Governor Umo Eno for assisting security agencies in the fight against criminality.
The Police Commissioner announced that officers who distinguished themselves during the operations would receive Commendation Certificates in recognition of exceptional service and gallantry.
He further thanked residents of the state for providing timely and credible information to security agencies, emphasizing that security remains a collective responsibility.
Issuing a stern warning to criminal elements operating within the state, CP Azare declared that there would be no hiding place for kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, traffickers, and other violent offenders.
“Your days are numbered. There will be no safe haven and no breathing space for criminals in Akwa Ibom State,” the Commissioner warned.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying intelligence gathering, tactical operations, patrols, and community policing initiatives aimed at sustaining peace and protecting lives and property across Akwa Ibom State.
