June 24 (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom Police Command says it has intensified its offensive against criminal activities, recovering firearms and other exhibits while arresting suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations across the state.
The operations, carried out on June 22, according to police authorities formed part of the Command’s sustained crackdown on criminal hideouts and black spots under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, to strengthen public safety through proactive policing.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, operatives acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout on Urua Ekpa Street at about 8:45 p.m.
Suspected criminals reportedly fled on sighting the police team, abandoning a locally fabricated pistol concealed in a red scarf. The police said the firearm had been recovered while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects
In a separate operation along the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road, officers conducting a routine stop-and-search intercepted an Opel motorcycle carrying a concealed Dane gun. The rider reportedly abandoned the motorcycle and escaped before he could be arrested.
The Command said investigations were underway to identify and apprehend the suspect.
In another incident, police operatives, responding to a distress call, arrested two suspects: Uduak James and Matthew Udo, over the alleged theft of palm fruits.
A subsequent search of the suspects’ premises reportedly led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, one live cartridge, an unregistered motorcycle and wraps of substances suspected to be cannabis. The suspects remain in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
The police also disclosed that an officer attached to the Government House arrested one Wisdom Umana, who was allegedly found in possession of a toy AK-47 rifle.
According to the statement, the suspect claimed to be a vigilante operative attached to the Commissioner for Information on escort duties. Police said investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding his activities and possession of the imitation firearm.
CP Azare reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating crime and safeguarding lives and property across Akwa Ibom State, warning criminal elements to abandon unlawful activities or face prosecution.
He also urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to aid ongoing efforts to improve security across the state.
