March 08, (THEWILL) — Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a man alleged to have been impersonating a military officer and using a toy pistol to intimidate residents in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, identified as Jonathan Akpan, was apprehended on March 6, 2026, following a surveillance operation carried out by police operatives acting on credible intelligence.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Timfon John, the suspect, who hails from Obio Aduang Village in Ibesikpo Asutan, was arrested at about 10:00 a.m.
Police said the suspect was found in possession of a toy pistol allegedly used to threaten unsuspecting residents, as well as substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Akpan was allegedly posing as a military officer to deceive members of the public and facilitate his unlawful activities.
“The arrest followed credible intelligence received by the Police. Acting promptly on the information, operatives of the Command carried out surveillance operations which led to the successful apprehension of the suspect”, the statement said.
The Command added that investigations were ongoing to uncover and arrest other possible members of the suspect’s criminal network.
Reiterating its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state, the police urged the members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide useful information to aid the fight against crime.
The Command also warned individuals involved in criminal activities to desist, stressing that offenders would be brought to justice.
