The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has achieved significant milestones in tackling crimes across the state.
To this end, it has successfully dismantled militant and robbery syndicates, discovered an illegal gun factory, and arrested several men of the underworld engaged in robbery and cult groups.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, disclosed these breakthroughs during a press briefing held at the Command Headquarters, Uyo, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
In his words, “These successes, spanning from the creeks of Mbo to the heart of Uyo, underscore our unwavering commitment to rid Akwa Ibom State of criminal elements and ensure the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens.”
He noted that the Command’s operational strategies, including robust intelligence gathering, proactive patrols, and collaboration with sister security agencies and community stakeholders, have continued to yield impressive results.
Related: Police Bust Illegal Firearms Factory, Arrest 2 Suspected Gunsmiths
Highlighting the series of breakthroughs, Azare stated that operatives of the Command, in collaboration with Marine Hunters, smashed a militant syndicate in Ibaka on November 3, 2025, and arrested Samuel Geoffrey (27), a native of Bayelsa State, who is suspected to be a militant involved in sea piracy and kidnapping.
His confession led to the recovery of several stolen items, including marine engines, deep freezers, generators, toilet fittings, sewing machines, and personal effects belonging to victims of sea attacks, from the residence of the fleeing village head, Kingdom Bane.
CP Azare warned that there would be no haven for criminals, whether on water or on land, in the state, noting that the Police are ready to disrupt every criminal network within the state.
“We will continue to pursue and dismantle every network of militants, kidnappers, and pirates threatening peace in the state.”
In Itu Local Government Area, the operatives also raided an illegal gun manufacturing facility at Ekit Itam Village, arresting Aniekan Aniedi (39) and Ubong Udofia (35).
The recovered exhibits included locally made guns, metal pipes, gun butts, welding tools, and copper wire.
Speaking further, the Commissioner of Police said the Command made several arrests in robbery and theft cases. He stated that one suspect, Umar Bello, was apprehended with 31 suspected stolen phones, while another syndicate linked to stolen tricycles and spare parts was dismantled.
The CP added that, in another sting operation, four suspected robbers, Sunday Samson, Imoh Peter, Saviour Jimmy, and Ubong Umana, were arrested for motorcycle snatching across Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, with nine motorcycles recovered.
Regarding cultism and masquerade-related crimes, the Commissioner confirmed the arrest of cult members and individuals disguised as masquerades to perpetrate robbery and extortion.
According to him, Solomon Edem was arrested in Abak for using masquerade attire to exploit people, and items recovered from the suspect included machetes, charms, and masquerade masks.
Similarly, Uwem Umanah (45) and David Michael (34), leaders of the “Ekpo” masquerade cult, were charged with illegal assembly and blocking public highways.
The Commissioner cautioned that the Police “will not tolerate any cultural or religious disguise that promotes criminality, and every offender, no matter their cover, will face the full weight of the law.”
Highlighting the ammunition recovery and anti-burglary operations, the CP said that through credible intelligence from residents, 52 rounds of live ammunition and three cartridges were recovered during a cleanup exercise in Abak.
Also, three suspected burglars, Isreal Udo, Nsikak Okon, and Okechukwu Livinus, were arrested for serial break-ins in Uyo, with stolen items and burglary tools recovered.
While appreciating residents for their continued cooperation, the Commissioner lauded the diligence and professionalism of his officers.
“I wish to commend the officers and men of this Command for their courage and professionalism, and I also extend my gratitude to the good people of Akwa Ibom State for their support and timely sharing of information that continues to aid our operations.”
He, however, reaffirmed that the Akwa Ibom State Police Command will not relent in its mission to combat crime and criminality in all its forms in the state.
“Together, we will make Akwa Ibom State safer and more secure,” the commissioner said.
