A’Ibom Police Arrest 178 Suspects and Seize 69 Firearms in Statewide Crackdown

By Uko Etim

UYO — The Akwa Ibom Police Command announced that it has arrested 178 suspects and seized 69 firearms as part of a statewide operation aimed at dismantling criminal networks, calling the effort one of the most significant breakthroughs of the year.

Commissioner of Police Baba Azare revealed the results during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters on Monday in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo. He said the successes stemmed from “intelligence‑led policing, coordinated raids, strategic surveillance, stop‑and‑search exercises, and tactical interventions” carried out across identified hotspots in the state.

According to the CP, the arrests covered a range of offences, including 27 suspected armed robbers, 6 suspected kidnappers, 14 murder suspects, 49 suspected cultists, 22 suspected vandals, and 60 burglary and theft suspects.

Azare also noted that the Command rescued 11 human trafficking victims and 16 kidnapped victims, and recovered three suspected stolen vehicles.

The seized weapons included 34 locally made pistols, 3 Beretta pistols, 10 single‑barreled guns, 4 double‑barreled guns, 1 G3 rifle, 12 Dane guns, 1 pump‑action gun, 1 AK‑47 rifle, 2 toy guns, and 1 additional locally made gun. Officers also recovered 468 rounds of ammunition.

One major operation led to the arrest of a suspected drug kingpin, Francis Akpan, 40, and four accomplices in Okobo Ebughu, Mbo LGA. The CP said 23 large bags of dried weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, a motorcycle, and dismantled outboard boat engines were recovered from Akpan’s residence.

Other operations included the arrest of suspected robbery syndicate member Uduak Daniel, 28, who was found with a locally made pistol, axe, knife, suspected charms, and narcotics, and the interception of Asuquo Okon, 63, at James Town Junction with two large bags of suspected Indian hemp.

Azare praised officers for their “professionalism, courage, discipline, and dedication,” and announced that commendation certificates would be awarded to those who distinguished themselves.

He also thanked Governor Umo Eno and residents for supporting the police with credible intelligence.

The CP reaffirmed that the Command will intensify intelligence gathering, patrols, and community policing to sustain peace and security across Akwa Ibom.

“Your days are numbered. There will be no safe haven and no breathing space for criminals in Akwa Ibom State,” Azare warned.

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