Police in Akwa Ibom State have made a novel arrest of a suspected murderer who had been on the run for several months, as well as dismantling a suspected armed robbery syndicate notorious for terrorising residents of Ibiono Ibom and Itu Local Government Areas.
DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), said in a press release on July 2, 2026, that the significant operational successes follow sustained offensive against violent crime across the state.
DSP John said these achievements underscore the unwavering commitment of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Bala Mohammed Azare, fsi, to ensuring the safety of lives and property through intelligence-led policing, strategic operations, and the relentless pursuit of criminal elements.
“In one of the operations, operatives successfully tracked and arrested one Nsikak Akpan, a male suspect from Ikot Akpan-Edemaya, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, who had been on the Command’s wanted list in connection with the murder of one Late Markanson, also of the same community.
“The suspect allegedly committed the offence on 6th January, 2026, after which he fled and remained in hiding in a bid to evade justice. Following months of painstaking intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated operational efforts, police operatives successfully monitored his movements, leading to his arrest on 30th June, 2026, at about 5:30 p.m.
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“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, while the locally made Dane gun allegedly used in committing the murder was recovered. The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue ahead of prosecution,” she added.
In a separate intelligence-driven operation, operatives of the Command dismantled a suspected armed robbery syndicate known for snatching motorcycles from unsuspecting members of the public at gunpoint within Ibiono Ibom and Itu Local Government Areas.
DSP John said the operation, carried out on June 29, 2026, led the operatives to the gang’s hideout at Nasarawa Market, Mbak Itam Village, where one suspect, Destiny Ekong, aged 22, of Afaha Ube Itam, Itu Local Government Area, was arrested.
“During the operation, one unregistered Mate C90 motorcycle, suspected to have been stolen, was recovered.
“Further intelligence exploitation and follow-up investigations led to the arrest of another suspect, Anietie John, aged 50, of Mbiakpan Atan Village. A search conducted at his residence resulted in the recovery of one single-barrel gun and eight rounds of live cartridges believed to be connected to criminal activities.
“Both suspects are currently assisting the Police with ongoing investigations aimed at apprehending other fleeing members of the criminal network and recovering additional exhibits,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare fsi, has commended the professionalism, resilience, and operational efficiency displayed by the officers involved in both operations.
CP Azare reiterated that the Command remains resolute in its determination to deny criminals any haven within Akwa Ibom State.
He further warned individuals involved in criminal activities to either abandon their unlawful acts or be prepared to face the full weight of the law, stressing that the Command’s intelligence architecture has been significantly strengthened to detect, disrupt, and dismantle criminal networks across the state.
The Commissioner also expressed appreciation to residents for their continued cooperation, timely information, and confidence in the Police.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and actionable intelligence, assuring them that every piece of information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
According to him, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property and will continue to sustain aggressive operations aimed at maintaining peace, law, and public safety throughout the state.
