Akwa Ibom Police Uncovers Militants’ Warehouse

…Declares Fleeing Village Head Wanted

By Patrick Titus, Uyo

The operational strategies deployed by the Police Command to get rid of criminal elements in Akwa Ibom State, have led to the discovery of militants warehouse in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of the state.

Items recovered include one 40HP, two 15HP, and one 8HP marine engines, four power heads, four gear boxes, four propellers, four engine covers, one Snow Sea Deep Freezer, three generators and three brand new toilet seats.

Others items include: two brand new toilet sinks, one sewing machine, 14 empty drums, one 3kg gas cylinder, boat parts, other household items and a bag containing the personal effects of one Chibuike Vincent Awah of Onitsha, Anambra State, including his ID Card and NIN slip.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Mohammed Azare disclosed these while briefing journalists on the major achievements of the Command at its headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo on Tuesday.

Following investigations, the Command has declared the Village Head of Ine Eyoabasi fishing community wanted following his alleged involvement in a militancy and piracy network operating across the state’s coastal areas, CP Azare said.

According to to him, the Command, in collaboration with Marine Hunters, on November 3, 2025, intercepted and arrested one Samuel Geofrey, 27, a suspected militant from Bayelsa State. During interrogation, the suspect confessed that his rifle was being kept by one Kingdom Bane, the Village Head of Ine Eyoabasi fishing community.

“Upon sighting our operatives, the Village Head took to his heels and fled. However, a search of his residence led to the recovery of several items suspected to have been stolen from sea travellers,” the Commissioner revealed.

While the suspect, Geofrey, is in custody, CP Azare assured that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing Village Head, emphasizing that no criminal, regardless of status, would escape justice.

“This operation demonstrates our resolve to dismantle criminal networks from the creeks of Mbo to the heart of Uyo. We will pursue every suspect until they face the law,” he affirmed.

The Police Commissioner further announced several other major achievements, including arrest of Umar Bello from Sokoto State for being in possession of stolen property and related crimes.

Giving an account of Umar Bello’s involvement, CP Azare said, “operatives of the Command, working with community leaders, arrested Umar Bello, from Sokoto State, and found in his possession, 31 suspected stolen phones (8 iPhones, 10 Redmi, 7 Infinix, and others). The suspect was about to waybill the items to Kano. Efforts are ongoing to arrest his accomplice identified as “Mohammed”.

In another breath, the Police Commissioner said, “you may recall that during my last briefing on 17th October, 2025, we reported the arrest of Editi Eberedem ‘m’ 34, with a stolen tricycle. Further investigation led to the arrest of Musa Sanni, 31, Utibe Nkop, 34, Dadati John, 46, and Abdulrashid Sanni, 28. Exhibits recovered include three tricycles and 72 stolen mobile phones.

Other breakthroughs recorded, include the dismantling of robbery syndicates, including motorcycle snatchers, operating between Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, as well as recovery of ammunition and cartridges, following intelligence from vigilant citizens.

CP Azare, however, commended the Command’s operatives for their professionalism and dedication, while appreciating residents for their continued support.

“These successes spanning from the creeks of Mbo to the heart of Uyo underscore our unwavering commitment to rid the State of criminal elements and ensure the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens.

“Our operational strategies, which include robust intelligence gathering, proactive patrols, and effective collaboration with sister security agencies and community stakeholders, have continued to yield impressive results, CP Azare posited.

He urged anyone whose phones or valuable items were stolen, to report to the Command for identification and possible recovery.

He said the Command, under his watch, is committed to ensuring that Akwa Ibom remains one of the safest states in Nigeria. Criminals must know there is no hiding place.

The Police boss also reiterated the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and inter-agency collaboration, stressing that the fight against crime requires continued cooperation from all citizens.