In a swift operation aimed at curbing rising criminal activities, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully recovered a firearm and ammunition from a suspected cultist hideout in Ikot Efiong Village, Ukanafun Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command Timfon John in a statement issued on Saturday said, while acting on credible intelligence, police operatives raided the location on the evening of March 6, 2025.
Explaining further, he indicated that the operation sent suspected criminals fleeing, leaving behind a locally made pistol and two live cartridges.
Though no arrests were made, the statement said investigations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
The recovery of these weapons raises concerns about a possible planned attack, reinforcing fears of resurgent cult activities in the area.
However, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reassured residents that the force remains steadfast in its mission to rid the state of criminal elements. He called on citizens to assist law enforcement by providing valuable information.
“This operation is a strong message that crime will not be tolerated in Akwa Ibom. We urge the public to continue supporting the police with intelligence that will help us bring perpetrators to justice,” CP Azare stated.
The raid highlighted the growing reliance on intelligence-driven operations to combat crime, a strategy that has been credited with recent breakthroughs in policing across the state.
As security forces intensify efforts to ensure peace and stability, residents remain hopeful that proactive measures will deter further criminal activities.
With the police vowing to sustain the momentum, the battle against cultism and violent crime in Akwa Ibom remains far from over.
