December 22, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, on Monday, revealed that it recovered no fewer than 179 assorted firearms, hundreds of ammunition and secured 33 convictions in 2025 even as it unveiled a tougher intelligence-driven security strategy for 2026.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, made this known during an end-of-year media briefing in Uyo, where he reviewed the state’s security situation and outlined priorities for the coming year.
According to the Police Commissioner, Akwa Ibom remained largely peaceful and stable throughout 2025, attributing the calm to intelligence-led policing, proactive patrols, community cooperation and strong inter-agency collaboration.
He disclosed that within the year under review, the Command arrested 563 suspects linked to armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, violent crimes and other offences.
He added that 323 rounds of ammunition, 100 live cartridges, and 14 stolen vehicles were recovered, with the vehicles returned to their owners.
In one of the most significant highlights of the year, CP Azare said the Command rescued 74 victims of human trafficking and 10 kidnapped victims, reuniting them safely with their families, while several criminal hideouts and black spots across the state were dismantled.
The Police Commissioner also said security was successfully provided for political, religious, social and economic activities across the state, stressing that the Command enforced laws and government directives aimed at maintaining public order.
He warned against jungle justice, unlawful assemblies and acts capable of breaching peace, noting that compliance with the state government’s executive order restricting masquerade activities to approved locations significantly reduced violence and disorder.
Expressing concern over the rise in fake news, particularly on social media, CP Azare revealed that arrests were made over the circulation of false information capable of causing panic, warning that offenders would continue to face prosecution.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to community policing, citing sustained engagement with traditional rulers, youths, women groups, religious leaders, transport unions, market associations and school administrators.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Police boss said the Command would intensify its focus on crime prevention, violent crime suppression, cybercrime control, professionalism, human rights compliance, modern policing tools and deeper collaboration with sister security agencies.
He assured residents that robust security measures were already in place for the festive season and beyond, with intensified patrols and strategic deployments across all local government areas.
CP Azare expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for his leadership and support, as well as the Akwa Ibom State Government, sister security agencies, officers of the Command and residents of the state.
He urged the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities, reiterating the Police Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in 2026.
