In its resolve to dismantle criminal networks in Akwa Ibom State, the Police Command busted a suspected criminal hideout in Obot Akara Local Government Area. They arrested a suspected criminal kingpin and recovered firearms.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, announced this in a statement in Uyo on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. She said that on the previous day, operatives of the Command received credible intelligence. They learnt that one Aniefiok Otong Mbana ‘M’ of Ikot Ukam Village, Obot Akara LGA, was in possession of a motorcycle suspected to be stolen.
According to her, the Command then acted swiftly on the intelligence, deploying detectives immediately to the area where the suspect was apprehended in possession of the motorcycle. She said during interrogation, the suspect failed to give a satisfactory account of ownership of the motorcycle and instead attempted to link it to one “Mr White”, who is currently at large.
“A subsequent search conducted at the suspect’s premises led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, one dane gun, four empty cartridges, and one live cartridge, further reinforcing suspicions of criminal involvement and exposing the dangerous nature of the suspect and his associates.
“The Command has since launched an intensive manhunt for the fleeing accomplice and other suspected members of the criminal network,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has issued a stern warning to criminals, cultists, armed robbers, gunrunners, and receivers of stolen property to immediately desist from their criminal activities or face the full weight of the law.
The CP stressed that Akwa Ibom State will no longer serve as a safe haven for criminal elements, as the Command has intensified intelligence-driven policing, surveillance operations, raids, stop-and-search duties, and tactical deployments across the State.
The Commissioner of Police further warned that anyone found aiding, harbouring, or collaborating with criminals will be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted accordingly.
He reassured law-abiding residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
