By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has declared that the security situation in the state remained largely peaceful and stable throughout 2025, attributing the outcome to intelligence-driven operations, proactive policing, and strong community cooperation.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, stated this while addressing journalists during an end-of-year press conference where the Command reviewed its 2025 operations and unveiled its security priorities for 2026.
According to the Commissioner, the relative calm recorded across the state was achieved through strategic patrols, targeted deployments, effective inter-agency collaboration, and sustained engagement with local communities. He disclosed that the Command recorded notable operational successes, including the arrest of suspects linked to armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
Azare revealed that the police recovered 179 assorted arms, 323 rounds of various ammunition, and 100 live cartridges within the year. He added that 563 suspects were arrested and charged to court, while 14 stolen vehicles were recovered and returned to their owners. In addition, 74 victims of human trafficking and 10 kidnapped persons were rescued and safely reunited with their families, with 33 convictions secured in 2025.
The Commissioner said the Command provided robust security for political, social, religious, and economic activities across the state, while strictly enforcing laws and government directives designed to preserve public order. He reiterated the police stance against jungle justice, unlawful gatherings, and activities capable of disrupting public peace.
On masquerade-related violence, Azare confirmed full compliance with the state government’s executive order restricting such activities to approved locations with mandatory police clearance and security coverage, a move he said significantly reduced incidents of disorder.
Expressing concern over the rising spread of fake news, particularly on social media, the Commissioner disclosed that arrests were made for the fabrication and circulation of false information capable of causing panic. He warned that such offences would continue to attract decisive legal action.
He emphasized that community policing remains central to the Command’s strategy, noting sustained engagements with traditional rulers, youth and women groups, religious leaders, market associations, transport unions, and school authorities across the state.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Commissioner outlined key priorities include strengthening intelligence-led policing, sustained crackdown on violent crimes, deeper community engagement, combating cybercrime and misinformation, improved professionalism and respect for human rights, enhanced deployment strategies, adoption of modern policing tools, and stronger collaboration with sister security agencies.
Azare assured residents that adequate security arrangements are already in place for the festive season and beyond, with intensified patrols, stop-and-search operations, and strategic deployments across all local government areas.
He expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for his leadership and support, thanked the Akwa Ibom State Government and sister security agencies for their cooperation, and commended officers and men of the Command for their dedication. He also urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to promptly report suspicious.
