In what could be described as the most sweeping law enforcement operation in recent years, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 54 suspects in a month-long offensive targeting cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, piracy, and infrastructure sabotage.
Speaking at a high-stakes press briefing on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the State Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, declared a war on criminality, boldly stating: “Akwa Ibom is no haven for criminals.”
The crackdown, which ran from May to mid-June, saw a series of coordinated sting operations, armed confrontations, and undercover intelligence work that cut across urban, rural, and coastal areas of the state. At least 50 illegal arms and ammunition were recovered, including 18 locally made pistols, cut-to-size barrel guns, and combat tools like axes, charms, and cartridges.
The most dramatic gains were recorded in anti-cult operations, with 30 suspected cultists linked to groups such as the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, Kuklux Klan, Black Axe, and the Debam confraternity arrested in raids across Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan, Mbo, and Nsit Ibom. One suspect confessed to taking part in the gruesome beheading of three Marine Hunters in 2024.
In another critical operation, three kidnap victims were rescued and two getaway vehicles recovered, while sea pirates on the Oron–Calabar waterways were repelled after a fierce gun duel that left their camp deserted. Firearms, charms, boats, and engine parts were recovered.
“Criminals who think they can hide in the creeks or blend into the communities must think again,” CP Azare warned.
Recovered exhibits included, 50 illegal firearms/ammunition, 2 stolen vehicles, 8 solar panels, Dozens of household electronics, hard drugs, and stolen goods and educational and public infrastructure looted from schools and power stations
In one bust, officers intercepted transformer coils and streetlight cables, stolen as part of a rising infrastructure sabotage ring. In another case, two men were arrested for robbing a commercial motorcycle operator and stealing his red Qlink bike.
Among the shocking cases was the arrest of a 25-year-old man who murdered his 71-year-old mother in Oruk Anam. The murder weapon—a machete—was recovered. Elsewhere, a burglary syndicate that looted houses across Uyo was unmasked after six criminal receivers were caught with solar panels, iron rods, and a generator.
The command’s tactical flexibility was also on display as Marine and tactical squads collaborated seamlessly with local intelligence networks to pre-empt attacks and corner suspects during attempted crimes.
Commissioner Azare used the occasion to reassert the Police Command’s commitment to “tough, smart, and focused” policing. He urged residents to report suspicious activity and pledged continued pressure on criminal elements.
“Let this serve as a message: we are watching, and we will strike decisively. Together with the public, we will keep Akwa Ibom safe.”
As public confidence grows in the wake of these arrests, expectations are high that prosecutions will be swift and deterrence sustained—making it clear that no one is above the law.
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, AKWA IBOM STATE, CP BABA MOHAMMED AZARE
