Akwa Ibom
New Akwa Ibom Police Commissioner Targets Sponsors of Communal Clashes
In a decisive move to address the root causes of insecurity in Akwa Ibom, the newly-appointed Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, has announced plans to crack down on sponsors of communal clashes and other crimes destabilizing the state.
During a courtesy visit to Governor Umo Eno at the Government House in Uyo, CP Azare disclosed that the police, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), had already begun profiling individuals suspected of funding and fueling communal unrest.
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Timfon John, in a statement quoted CP Azare to have assured that an interim report on their findings would be submitted soon.
The new Commissioner’s approach signals a shift in focus from reactive policing to intelligence-driven strategies aimed at dismantling networks responsible for violence, kidnappings, armed robbery, and homicide in the state.
CP Azare emphasized his commitment to youth engagement as a tool for conflict prevention and pledged to involve local communities in policing efforts to strengthen cooperation between security agencies and residents.
To enhance public trust and accessibility, CP Azare directed the command’s Public Relations Officer to make available contact numbers of senior police officers, ensuring the public can easily report security concerns.
Governor Umo Eno praised the Commissioner’s proactive strategies, particularly his emphasis on intelligence gathering and community engagement.
The Governor noted that CP Azare’s prior role as Deputy Commissioner, Operations in the state, had equipped him with vital knowledge of Akwa Ibom’s security landscape.
Governor Eno also highlighted the issue of vandalism of public facilities, such as transformers, which hampers rural development. He assured the Commissioner of the state government’s unwavering support to tackle such crimes and improve security infrastructure.
CP Azare’s appointment and early strategies have raised expectations of a more coordinated and effective fight against insecurity in Akwa Ibom. With plans to target crime sponsors and strengthen community policing, residents are hopeful for sustained peace and development under his leadership.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has charged four individuals to court for obstructing a public highway, following an incident on Monday, February 10, 2025.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, the Command reiterated its stance against lawlessness and warned that it will not tolerate acts of obstruction on public roads.
The incident occurred around 9:00 PM when a truck driver, attached to Sterling Global Construction Company, recklessly hit a tricycle carrying passengers, causing injuries and damage.
In an attempt to stop the truck driver from fleeing, four other truck drivers mobilized and blocked the highway, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill.
Despite police efforts to de-escalate the situation, the truck drivers allegedly refused to cooperate, leading to their arrest and subsequent arraignment. The four trucks were impounded as part of the investigation.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, under CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order in the state. It urged the public to comply with the law and avoid actions that could disrupt public peace.
The statement, signed by DSP Timfon John, LLB, Anipr, emphasized that offenders will face the full weight of the law while urging road users to conduct themselves responsibly.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has made significant strides in its fight against crime, with multiple arrests and recoveries of firearms, hard drugs, and stolen property across the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia.
Among the key arrests was that of a 13-year-old pupil of St. Paul Primary School, Ikot Ibiok, Eket LGA, who was found in possession of a locally made pistol and had allegedly threatened fellow students. The firearm was traced to his father’s bedroom, leading to the arrest of the father.
In another operation, the police apprehended Abasifreke Udo Thomas, alias Udo Orlando, who had reportedly shot a woman in December 2024. A locally made pistol was recovered from him.
The Command also cracked down on cultism, arresting multiple suspects, including Uyobong Ekong Edet (24), Israel Daniel Bassey (19), and Nsikak Asuquo Okon (18), who were found with a locally made pistol, live cartridges, machetes, and suspected bulletproof charms. Several others linked to armed robbery and inter-cult clashes within Uyo metropolis were also apprehended.
In a child trafficking case, operatives arrested Roseline Maurice and Eno Udoka, who confessed to stealing and selling a child for ₦200,000 in Cross River State.
The suspects used the proceeds to purchase household items, which were recovered by the police. Additionally, two women were arrested for attempting to traffic two teenage girls to Cross River for forced pregnancies and child sale.
The police further arrested Aniefiok Okon Edem (60) for allegedly defiling a 9-year-old girl, and a self-acclaimed prophet, Elisha Ekop Etise, accused of raping a 21-year-old woman under the pretense of performing a deliverance session.
Other major recoveries included military camouflage uniforms, large quantities of hard drugs, fake illicit drinks, and smuggled ammunition. The Command assured residents of its commitment to combating crime and urged the public to provide useful information.
“The Command will never relent in its efforts to rid the state of crime and criminality. If you see something, say something, and we will take action,” CP Azare stated.
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has reaffirmed his commitment to fostering peace and security in the state through strengthened collaboration between law enforcement, youth leaders, and business executives.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John in a statement on Monday indicated that at a crucial meeting held on 3rd February 2025, CP Azare engaged youth representatives from the 31 Local Government Areas (LGAs) alongside industry CEOs in an effort to curb crime, discourage unlawful activities, and enhance police-community relations.
During the engagement, CP Azare urged youths to embrace peace, avoid jungle justice, and report grievances through legal channels. He also called on business leaders to create more employment and empowerment opportunities to bridge the gap between companies and local communities, thereby preventing conflict.
The police boss assured stakeholders of enhanced security measures and encouraged companies to integrate youths into corporate decision-making processes for long-term stability.
In response, youth leaders and business executives pledged their support, expressing optimism about the CP’s proactive approach to governance and security.
The statement pledged the Akwa Ibom State Police Command dedication to the Energy Security Program of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun and urged continued cooperation to sustain peace and development in the state.
For security concerns, residents are encouraged to contact the police via the following numbers:
📞 08028916010, 08020913810, 09040000065, 09169839215
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