November 05, (THEWILL) —The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has recorded major operational breakthrough across the state with the dismantling of a militant syndicate in Ibaka, the discovery of an illegal gun-manufacturing factory in Itu, and the arrest of several armed robbery, burglars, cult, and phone-snatching gangs.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Uyo, emphasising that the coordinated operations reflect the Command’s renewed intelligence-driven approach to policing.
Azare said operatives, working with Marine Hunters, on November 3, arrested a suspected militant and sea pirate, 27-year-old Samuel Geofrey from Bayelsa State, in Ibaka, Mbo LGA. The suspect, who confessed to involvement in kidnapping and sea piracy, led the police to a fishing settlement, where stolen marine and household equipment were recovered. The village head linked to the arms, identified as Kingdom Bane, fled on sighting police officers.
Recovered items included marine engines of various capacities, generator sets, boat components, a deep freezer, household items, and personal items belonging to a victim believed to have been attacked at sea. The CP assured that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing kingpin.
Also speaking on the clampdown on illegal weapon manufacturing, the Police boss announced the arrest of two suspects, Aniekan Aniedi and Ubong Udofia, after a raid on a gun-production hideout at Ekiti Itam in Itu LGA. Locally fabricated firearms, metal pipes, welding tools, and gun parts were recovered.
In sustained intelligence-driven operations across the state, the Command arrested multiple suspects linked to phone theft, tricycle robbery, burglary, and motorcycle snatching, with over 100 mobile phones, tricycles, stolen vehicle parts, and nine motorcycles recovered. Some of the suspects were apprehended while attempting to transport stolen phones to Kano.
Azare further announced the arrest of fake masqueraders and members of a masked-cult group in Abak for armed extortion and unlawful public procession, following the state’s ban on violent masquerade displays. Weapons, charms, and masquerade masks were recovered.
In another sting, a notorious armed robbery syndicate operating between Akwa Ibom and Rivers States was smashed, while separate raids led to the arrest of cult members with firearms in Uyo and its environs. The Command also recovered 52 rounds of live ammunition and cartridges from a residence in Abak, after a tip-off from patriotic citizens.
The CP called on members of the public, who had lost mobile phones or had them snatched in recent months to visit the Command with proof of ownership for possible recovery.
Reiterating the Command’s resolve to make the state unsafe for criminals, Azare commended officers and residents for their cooperation, urging the public to continue providing useful information to aid policing.
“Our message to criminals is clear, there is no hiding place in Akwa Ibom. We will sustain proactive operations, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with sister security agencies and communities to keep residents safe”, he stated.
He encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation or through established emergency contacts.
