Akwa Ibom Police Recover Firearms, Arrest Suspects in Anti-Crime Operations

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities across the state, leading to the recovery of firearms and the arrest of several suspects in intelligence-led operations.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Wednesday.
John said the operations, conducted on June 22, were part of the command’s sustained efforts to rid the state of criminal elements under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare.
According to her, operatives acting on credible intelligence raided a suspected criminal hideout on Urua Ekpa Street at about 8:45 p.m.
She said suspected criminals fled on sighting the police team, abandoning a locally fabricated pistol concealed in a red scarf.

“The firearm was recovered while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” she said.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that in a separate operation along the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road, officers on routine stop-and-search duty intercepted an Opel motorcycle carrying a concealed Dane gun.

She said the rider abandoned the motorcycle and escaped before he could be arrested, adding that investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspect.
John also said police operatives responding to a distress call arrested two suspects, Uduak James and Matthew Udo, over the alleged theft of palm fruits.

According to her, a search conducted on the suspects’ premises led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, one live cartridge, an unregistered motorcycle and substances suspected to be cannabis.

She said the suspects remained in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
In another development, an officer attached to the Government House reportedly arrested one Wisdom Umana, who was allegedly found in possession of a toy AK-47 rifle.

The PPRO said the suspect claimed to be a vigilante operative attached to the Commissioner for Information on escort duties.

She added that investigations were ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding his activities and possession of the imitation firearm.
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating crime and safeguarding lives and property across the state.

Azare warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law.
He also urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to enhance security and public safety in the state.