The relentless crackdown by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has further yielded significant operational breakthroughs in busting strongholds operated by men of the underworld.
The latest successes recorded are in its ongoing intelligence-driven efforts against violent crimes, child trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and other criminal activities threatening public peace and safety within the State.
DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) announced this in a statement made available to the media in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
According to DSP John, in one of the operations, operatives of the Command acting on credible intelligence and in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, on May 13, 2026, at about 1900hrs, arrested three female suspects over their alleged involvement in child trafficking, conspiracy, and the unlawful sale of a newborn baby.
The suspects are: Ekemini Godwin ‘F’, 19 years, of Ikot Obioma Village; Endurance Sunday ‘F’, 26 years, of Nkwot Ikono Village and Alice Emmanuel ‘F’, 50 years, of Nkwot Ikono Village.
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She said that the investigation followed a complaint by one Sifon ‘M’ that his wife gave birth to a baby boy on May 7, 2026 but shockingly, shortly after delivery, the suspects allegedly conspired and unlawfully sold the newborn child to one Eno Peter ‘F’ of Ikpe Atai Village for the sum of One Hundred and Forty-Five Thousand Naira (₦145,000) without the consent or knowledge of the father.
“Upon receipt of the report, operatives immediately swung into action, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the successful recovery of the baby boy.
“The suspects reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation, while investigation has been expanded to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the trafficking syndicate and possible illegal child adoption network operating within and outside the State,” the PPRO added.
In another decisive operation against criminal elements, operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Efa Village in Etinan Local Government Area on May 13, 2026.
DSP John stated that during the operation, one suspect, identified as Bassey Dennis ‘M’, 32 years old, of Ata Efa Village, Etinan LGA, was arrested.
Exhibits recovered from the suspect included one serviceable Dane gun, one live cartridge, quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and substances suspected to be Crystal Methamphetamine, popularly known as “ICE.”
DSP John said the Command views the recovery of firearms and hard drugs from the suspect as a serious threat to public safety as well as the consequent criminal tendencies associated with illicit drug activities and violent crimes.
She added that the investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the firearm, uncover possible criminal collaborators, and dismantle associated networks linked to the suspect.
Similarly, the operatives of the Command, on May 14, 2026, at approximately 1100 hours, while carrying out routine stop-and-search operations along Abak Road, Uyo, intercepted a suspicious silver-coloured BMW 5 series saloon car without a registration number.
While being questioned by operatives, the unidentified driver suddenly abandoned the vehicle in the middle of the road and fled the scene before he could be apprehended.
“The vehicle was immediately secured and recovered to Police custody for detailed forensic and ownership investigation to determine whether it is connected to any reported case of theft, armed robbery, or other criminal activities.
“Efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest the fleeing suspect, as well as track down any criminal syndicate connected to the vehicle,” stated.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has commended the professionalism, vigilance, and tactical efficiency displayed by officers involved in the various operations.
The CP reiterated that the Command remains fully committed to sustaining aggressive intelligence-led policing, strategic stop-and-search operations, continuous raids on criminal hideouts, and coordinated enforcement actions aimed at denying criminals any haven within Akwa Ibom State.
He further warned all individuals involved in child trafficking, cultism, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, drug trafficking, and other violent crimes to immediately desist from such unlawful activities or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
CP Azare also reassured residents that the Command will continue to intensify efforts towards protecting lives and property, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely, credible, and actionable information to the Police.
He emphasised that community partnership remains critical in the ongoing fight against criminality and assured residents that all information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
