By Patrick Titus, Uyo
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare has reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring that it’s a crime-free state, warning criminals that Akwa Ibom is not a safe place for criminals.
Speaking during a press briefing held at the Command’s Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, the Commissioner of Police assured citizens and residents of the state that the Command remains resolute in its determination to rid it of criminal elements through intelligence-led policing and proactive law enforcement operations.
According to the CP, “the command remains steadfast in its resolve to confront criminality in all its forms with a view to ensuring that Akwa Ibom State remains one of the safest and most peaceful states in the federation.”
The CP disclosed that operatives of the command, acting on credible intelligence and in connection with a recent armed robbery incident along the Calabar–Itu Road axis, arrested one Musa Idris, a suspected receiver and distributor of stolen mobile phones linked to an armed robbery syndicate.
He revealed that investigation showed the suspect had previously been arrested in October 2025 for offences relating to armed robbery and possession of over 200 assorted Android phones suspected to be stolen.
Items recovered from the suspect include 34 assorted Android phones, two button phones, one standing fan, one 80,000mAh power bank, one rechargeable table fan, one tricycle with Registration Number AFG 64 WO, one jack knife, and quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
“The recovered phones are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of armed robbery operations carried out by criminal elements operating within and outside Akwa Ibom State,” the commissioner stated.
The CP further disclosed that the suspect made useful statements and allegedly revealed the existence of a wider criminal network involved in the movement and resale of stolen phones beyond Nigeria’s borders. He assured that efforts have been intensified to apprehend all other members of the syndicate currently at large.
On the issue of false security information, CP Azare announced the successful conclusion of investigation into a case involving one Akaninyene Udo, popularly known online as “AK Philo,” who allegedly circulated a threatening message captioned “Eket get ready for us” alongside the image of an armed bandit.
The Commissioner stated that following investigations, the suspect was charged before a competent court and subsequently remanded in a Correctional Centre.
“The creation, publication, or dissemination of false security alerts and misleading information capable of causing public panic remains a criminal offence, and offenders will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he warned.
The CP also announced the commencement of a statewide enforcement operation targeting vehicles operating with covered, altered, obscured, defaced, or absent registration number plates.
According to him, the exercise is in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police and is aimed at enhancing public safety, strengthening crime prevention measures, and denying criminal elements the opportunity to exploit unregistered or concealed vehicles for criminal activities.
He urged all motorists to ensure that their vehicles are properly registered and that registration number plates remain visible and compliant with existing regulations.
During the briefing, the commissioner expressed profound appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, PSC (+), NPM, for his leadership and commitment to the welfare of police personnel nationwide.
“I am particularly grateful for the provision of First Aid Boxes to Commands across the Federation, including the Akwa Ibom State Police Command. This thoughtful intervention demonstrates the Inspector-General’s commitment to the health, safety, welfare, and operational readiness of police personnel,” the CP stated.
The commissioner further announced that a number of officers of the Command would be honoured with Certificates of Commendation for exemplary professionalism, dedication to duty, and outstanding service delivery following public commendation captured in a viral social media video.
He emphasized that rewarding professionalism and integrity remains an important component of modern policing and serves as motivation for officers who continue to discharge their responsibilities with distinction.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to public safety, CP Azare urged residents to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information.
“We shall not relent in our efforts to ensure that criminals have no hiding place within our jurisdiction. Together, we shall continue to build a safer and more secure Akwa Ibom State,” he stated.
