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.