The Police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested a suspected assassin and recovered a locally made pistol in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in a press release made available to news at the weekend, gave the name of the suspect as one Bassey Udo Idiong, a 42-year-old man who also hails from Essien Udim LGA.
DSP John narrated that “on July 1, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m., a distress report was relayed from the Command Control Room, Uyo, from one man (name withheld) that one Bassey Udo Idiong, a 42-year-old male from the same community, had stormed his palace armed with a locally made pistol and threatened to shoot him.”
She added that the Command, acting swiftly on the intelligence, mobilised its operatives immediately to the scene. On arrival, the suspect was professionally disarmed without any incident and taken into custody, while the locally made pistol was recovered as an exhibit.
The PPRO said the prompt response of the Police not only prevented what could have resulted in a tragic loss of life but also underscored the Command’s unwavering commitment to responding decisively to every credible security threat within the state.
Read Also: Child Abduction: Police Rescue Three Children; Nab Two Suspects In Mkpat Enin
“The suspect remains in police custody, while a discreet and comprehensive investigation has commenced to determine the source of the recovered firearm, establish the motive behind the criminal act, and identify and apprehend any accomplices or members of criminal networks connected to the suspect,” she added.
DSP John said, “Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspect will be charged to court accordingly,” reiterating that the breakthrough is in furtherance of the strategic directive of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, to eliminate criminal black spots across the state and ensure that residents continue to enjoy a safe and secure environment.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has commended the officers for their professionalism, courage, and prompt intervention, restating that the Command will continue to sustain aggressive intelligence-led policing and targeted operations aimed at rooting out illegal firearms, violent criminals, and all forms of criminality across the state.
CP Azare further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting the Police by providing timely, credible, and actionable information. He assured residents that every report received will be treated with utmost seriousness and confidentiality, emphasising that security remains a collective responsibility.
