Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robber, Recover Pistol in Akwa Ibom

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally made pistol, charms, and other incriminating items during a raid on a criminal hideout in Midim Clan, Abak Local Government Area.

The Command said the operation followed credible intelligence received at about 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday regarding a gang allegedly involved in robbing commercial motorcycle operators at gunpoint in the area.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the operatives were said to have swiftly mobilised and stormed the hideout in a coordinated operation.

According to the statement, the suspects attempted to flee upon sighting the police team, but one of them, identified as Uduak Vincent, 28, from Ikot Ifang Village in Midim Clan, was arrested after a chase.

Items recovered from the suspect included a locally made pistol, a small axe, a knife, charms suspected to be used for criminal fortification, six wraps of substance suspected to be Indian hemp, two button phones, three bottles of ICE, three rings, one Airtel SIM card, and a multi-coloured handbag.

The police said two other members of the gang escaped into nearby bushes during the operation, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain its crackdown on violent crimes and criminal elements across the state.

He warned criminal suspects to desist from unlawful activities or face decisive police action, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring that all reports would be treated confidentially.