Akwa Ibom Police Command Arrests 178 Suspects, Recovers 69 Firearms

By Patrick Titus, Uyo

The operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom State Command have, within the last few weeks, arrested 178 suspects involved in various crimes in the state, recovering 69 firearms from them.

The alleged offences include armed robbery, kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms, cultism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, burglary, and other violent criminal acts

A breakdown of the total number of suspects showed 27 armed robbers; Six kidnappers; 14 involved in murder; 49 cultists; 22 vandals and 60 burglary and stealing suspects.

The sixty-nine (69) firearms were of various categories, including thirty-four locally made pistols, three Beretta pistols, ten single barrel guns, four double barrel guns, one G3 rifle, two toy guns, twelve dane guns, one pump action gun, one AK-47 rifle, and one locally made gun.

Additionally, four hundred and sixty-eight (468) rounds of ammunition were recovered during various operations across the State.

Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Baba Azare who told journalists at the command headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, on Monday while displaying the recovered items for cameras, added that some kidnapped and human trafficking victims have been rescued during the operations.

Those rescued were 11 victims of human trafficking, 16 kidnapped victims, and also recovered three suspected stolen vehicles, a motorcycle and dismantled outboard boat engines suspected to be connected to other criminal activities.

CP Baba Mohammed Azare said that the command made the breakthrough from intelligence-led policing, coordinated raids, strategic surveillance operations, stop-and-search exercises, and tactical interventions across identified black spots,

He reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to combating all forms of criminality and ensuring that Akwa Ibom State remains unsafe for criminals.

The Commissioner of Police commended officers and men of the command for their professionalism, courage, discipline and dedication to duty, noting that the achievements recorded clearly reflect the operational resilience and commitment of the command towards maintaining peace and security across the state.

He also appreciated the Government of Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of Pst. Umo Eno for its continued support to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the fight against crime and criminality.

In recognition of exceptional service, gallantry, and dedication to duty, the CP announced that Commissioner of Police Commendation Certificates would be conferred on officers who distinguished themselves during the successful operations.

He stated that the commendation was aimed at rewarding professionalism, boosting morale, and encouraging excellence and operational efficiency within the command.

The Commissioner of Police further appreciated the people of Akwa Ibom State for their cooperation, trust, and timely supply of credible information to security agencies, emphasizing that security remains a collective responsibility.

He warned all criminal elements operating anywhere within the state that there would be no hiding place for criminals involved in armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and other violent crimes.

“Your days are numbered. There will be no safe haven and no breathing space for criminals in Akwa Ibom State,” the CP warned.