The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it is ending 2025 with improved security outcomes and a renewed resolve to deepen intelligence-driven policing as it prepares for emerging crime threats in the new year.
Police Public Relations Officer Timfon John in a statement quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, to have hinted that the state recorded a largely calm and stable security environment in 2025, attributing the outcome to proactive policing strategies, community cooperation and stronger collaboration with sister security agencies.
Azare noted that rather than relying on reactive responses, the command prioritised intelligence gathering, targeted patrols and strategic deployments, enabling officers to disrupt criminal networks before they could escalate violence.
According to him, the command made substantial arrests linked to armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes, while dismantling several criminal hideouts and flashpoints across the state. He said arms, ammunition and stolen vehicles recovered during operations were tangible indicators of the command’s sustained pressure on criminal elements.
Beyond crime fighting, the commissioner said the police ensured robust security coverage for political, religious, social and economic activities throughout the year, stressing that maintaining public confidence was as critical as enforcement.
On public order, Azare reaffirmed the command’s firm stance against jungle justice, unlawful assemblies and activities capable of threatening peace. He disclosed that enforcement of the state government’s executive order regulating masquerade activities—restricting them to approved locations and subjecting them to police clearance—played a key role in reducing violence and disorder traditionally associated with such events.
The police boss also sounded a warning on the dangers of misinformation, describing fake news as an emerging security threat. He said the command arrested individuals involved in the deliberate spread of false information on social media, noting that such actions had the potential to incite panic and destabilise communities.
Community policing, Azare said, remained the backbone of the command’s operations. He highlighted sustained engagements with traditional rulers, youth and women groups, religious institutions, market leaders, transport unions and school authorities as critical channels for intelligence sharing and conflict prevention.
Providing a snapshot of the command’s 2025 scorecard, the commissioner disclosed that police operatives recovered 179 assorted arms, 323 rounds of ammunition and 100 live cartridges. He said 563 suspects were arrested and charged to court, 14 stolen vehicles were recovered and returned to their owners, 74 victims of human trafficking were rescued and reunited with their families, while 10 kidnapped victims were safely freed. The command also secured 33 convictions during the year.
Looking ahead, Azare said the 2026 security strategy would focus on strengthening intelligence-led operations, intensifying the clampdown on violent crimes and cultism, expanding community policing, tackling cybercrime and fake news, and enhancing professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights. He added that improved deployment strategies and greater use of modern policing tools would also feature prominently.
The commissioner assured residents that security arrangements for the festive season and beyond had been strengthened, with increased patrols, stop-and-search operations and strategic deployments across all local government areas.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police for his leadership and support, the Akwa Ibom State Government for its continued assistance, sister security agencies for their cooperation, and officers and men of the command for their commitment.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities as the state moves into 2026.
Akwa Ibom Police End 2025 Strong, Unveil 2026 Security Push
