The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered two locally-made pistols and other exhibits during an intelligence-led operation in Ifa Atai community.
The Police Public Relatiions Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
According to the statement, on October 19, 2026, at about 7:00 p.m., operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence, received information that suspected armed robbers responsible for terrorising residents of Ifa Atai and environs were sighted brandishing weapons in an attempt to attack a member of the public.
The operatives swiftly moved to an identified hotel within Ifa Atai where the suspects were allegedly hiding and smoking substances suspected to be hard drugs.
The operation led to the arrest of one Ifiok Owoidem, 26, an indigene of Okon Ikot Essien Village in Essien Udim Local Government Area, while one other suspect fled and is currently being sought.
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A search conducted in the arrested suspect’s room led to the recovery of two locally made pistols, one expanded cartridge, two machetes and bottles containing substances suspected to be charms.
DSP John said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and dismantle criminal networks operating in the state.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has reiterated the Command’s resolve to confront criminality decisively through intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention and sustained collaboration with the public.
The Command, she further said, urged residents of Ifa Atai and other parts of the state to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and illegal possession of firearms through the nearest police station or established reporting channels.
