January 13, (THEWILL) – The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the state’s Anti-Open Grazing Law, with the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, warning violators to expect strict consequences.
Speaking during his maiden press briefing as the 34th Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom on Monday at the Command Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, Azare emphasised the Command’s readiness to address security challenges in the state, including open grazing violations, communal clashes, and other crimes.
“The state has a law on grazing, and we will ensure full compliance with its provisions. Anyone arrested in connection with these crimes will face the full weight of the law,” Azare stated.
Addressing concerns over farmer-herder conflicts, Azare assured residents that the police would neither condone the destruction of farmlands by herdsmen nor tolerate attacks on herders and their livestock.
“We are aware of the encroachments on farms and the destruction of crops by herdsmen, as well as attacks on cows by miscreants. The police will not fold their arms while these acts of lawlessness persist,” he said.
On communal clashes, Azare revealed that the command had begun profiling individuals sponsoring such conflicts to hold them accountable. He called on youths to resist being exploited by self-serving individuals in their communities.
The CP appealed for cooperation from stakeholders, including traditional rulers, the media, and community groups, in achieving sustainable peace and security.
“Akwa Ibom must be free from all forms of criminal activity. Community policing is key to this mission, and we need the support of everyone to address the root causes of crime. We are also strengthening our partnership with Ibom Community Watch personnel to enhance security efforts,” Azare noted.
He highlighted the Command’s recent achievements in curbing crime, including the arrest of suspects involved in transformer vandalism.
He disclosed that two suspects, Prosper Brownson Jim and Uduak Sunday Benson, were apprehended for vandalizing a transformer at Sure Foundation Polytechnic, Ikot Atai, Ukanafun Local Government. Items stolen included transformer oil valued at N800,000 and armored cables worth N3.5 million.
The CP also revealed an investigation into the illegal leasing of four state fire service trucks. The vehicles, reportedly rented out to multinational companies at N140,000 per day since 2021, were recovered by the Command two months before the agreement’s expiration.
Four suspects have been arrested and will soon face prosecution.
Azare recounted the rescue of a Director in the Akwa Ibom Ministry of Justice and his niece, who were abducted in December 2024 by armed men.
“Our operatives located the kidnappers’ den in a forest at Ikot Ukpong Village, Abak LGA, and rescued the victims unharmed. Two suspects were neutralized during the operation, while others were arrested and are under investigation,” he said.
In a bid to address rising criminal activities, the command arrested 10 tricycle operators in Ewet Housing Estate for allegedly aiding criminals by transporting stolen items and participating in robberies.
“These individuals were arrested during the early hours of the morning and are being investigated. We will keep the public updated on the outcome,” Azare added.
The CP reiterated the command’s resolve to combat crimes and safeguard lives and property across the state, urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement.
