***Records Major Breakthroughs in Child Trafficking, Sexual Assault, Cultism

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded significant victories in its intensified fight against crime, with the rescue of vulnerable victims, the arrest of offenders, and the disruption of criminal networks.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), detailed the Command’s notable achievements over the past week.
According to him, the Command successfully thwarted two child trafficking operations, rescuing four children aged between 2 and 12 years.

He indicated that two suspects, Roseline Dennis and Sunday Udo Ekong, were apprehended while attempting to transport two children to Abia State for illegal sale.

“Another group of suspects, led by Okwondu Nkpurunna, was caught trafficking two children. All rescued children have been reunited with their families, and the suspects will face prosecution.
“In Abak LGA, a known serial offender, Daniel Effiong Umoh, was detained for assaulting a teenage girl.
“In Ibiono Ibom, Pastor Louis Akpojotor Mevoweoyo was arrested for sexually abusing his daughter since she was 12. The Police promised swift and full prosecution of both cases.”
The PPRO said the Command dared a suspected cult group tied to the Italian Mafia Secret Cult Confraternity in Uyo LGA by dismantling them saying that three suspects were arrested, and weapons, including a locally made pistol and jackknife, were recovered.
He said efforts are ongoing to capture the group’s armourer and other members.
In Ibiono Ibom LGA, operatives responded promptly to a robbery incident, arresting Holy Evans Andrew and recovering a pistol along with cartridges.

“In Mkpat Enin LGA, four suspects were apprehended for vandalizing a transformer. While some accomplices remain at large, efforts to recover stolen components are underway.

^In a surprising case, a physically challenged man, Umoh Ubong Udoh, was arrested in Uyo for distributing suspected Indian hemp to criminals.
“This arrest highlights the Command’s commitment to tackling drug-related crimes, irrespective of the suspect’s circumstances.”

DSP Timfon John attributed the week’s successes to community cooperation and actionable intelligence.
“We urge residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and trust the Police to act swiftly. With the leadership of CP Baba Mohammed Azare, we are building a safer Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

The Police spokesperson reiterated the commans zero tolerance for mob justice and called for sustained public support in reporting crime. “The Command remains committed to protecting lives, property, and ensuring law and order across the state.”

This latest briefing showcases the Akwa Ibom Police Command’s dedication to proactive, intelligence-driven crime-fighting measures.

In a gesture aimed at strengthening collaboration for enhanced security in Akwa Ibom State, Comrade (Elder) Sunny James, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has called for deeper synergy between the NLC and the state’s Police Command.
During a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, at the State Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Comrade James commended the Commissioner for his proactive leadership in maintaining peace since his assumption of office.

“Your efforts in ensuring law and order across Akwa Ibom are commendable. The NLC is ready to partner with the Police Command to sustain this peace for the benefit of all residents,” James remarked.

The NLC Chairman highlighted the critical role of collaboration between the police and civil society, noting that such partnerships have been instrumental in creating a secure environment for businesses, workers, and residents in the state.
In his response, CP Baba Mohammed Azare expressed his appreciation for the visit and assured the NLC delegation of the Command’s commitment to maintaining open lines of communication.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, of the Akwa Ibom State Command DSP Timfon John quoted Azare to have said,
“Effective policing thrives on collaboration. We will continue to foster this partnership and ensure the public has access to key contact points within the Command,” Azare said.

The Commissioner also emphasized the importance of building trust between the police and the community, pledging to enhance public safety through mutual cooperation.

The meeting, which concluded with renewed assurances of partnership, reflects a shared commitment to sustaining peace and ensuring that Akwa Ibom remains a model of security and harmony in Nigeria.

Observers have noted that this move by the NLC demonstrates the increasing recognition of the need for active civil society participation in security matters, signaling a progressive approach to governance and community safety.

The newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has unveiled an aggressive crime-fighting strategy during his maiden press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Uyo.
With a unique background as a trained journalist and member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), CP Azare leveraged his expertise to connect with the press and outline his vision for a secure Akwa Ibom.
“The media are my first constituency, and together we will secure this state,” he declared.
CP Azare highlighted an impressive string of successes within days of assuming office to include the arrest of two suspects for stealing transformer oil and cables worth millions, with recovered items including the stolen transformer and suspected charms.
He said his men recovered four state fire trucks stolen and leased to multinational firms in a multi-year illegal operation with Four suspects in custody.
In a shocking case of prolonged abuse, six suspects were arrested for the rape of a 13-year-old boy.
CP Azare condemned the crime as “a grave offense against humanity” and pledged swift justice
According to him, a Ministry of Justice Director and his niece were rescued from a forest hideout as two suspects were neutralized, while others are being pursued.
Another achievement he pointed out is the arrest of Leaders of secret cults, including the Ku Klux Klan and Italian Mafia confraternities,
The Commissioner emphasized that tackling crime in Akwa Ibom requires collective effort. “We need traditional rulers, media, and all stakeholders to support our mission to rid the state of criminal elements,” he stated, reiterating the Command’s commitment to community policing.
To enhance transparency, CP Azare announced an open-door policy and public access to contact numbers of key officers, ensuring constant communication between law enforcement and citizens.
The Commissioner warned criminals that Akwa Ibom would no longer tolerate lawlessness. “The era of impunity is over. We will pursue all criminals relentlessly until they choose the path of honor,” he said, calling on residents to report suspicious activities promptly.
Acknowledging the media’s capacity to shape public opinion, CP Azare urged journalists to verify their stories before publication. “The era of ‘all efforts to reach the police proved abortive’ is over,” he assured, promising timely responses to inquiries.
CP Azare expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for his support, describing it as pivotal to achieving the shared vision of peace and security in the state.
Under CP Azare’s leadership, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command appears set to usher in a new era of proactive policing, transparency, and community partnership. Residents and stakeholders are optimistic that this fresh approach will create a safer and more secure environment for all.

End