By Patrick Titus, Uyo
The Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom State Command has said that it has arrested a suspected murderer, Nsikak Akpan who has been on the run for many months after committing the crime in the state.
Akpan, who hailed from Ikot Akpan-Edemaya, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of the state, had been on the Command’s wanted list in connection with the murder of one Markanson, also of the same community.
DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), said the suspect allegedly committed the offence on January 6, 2026, after which he fled and remained in hiding in a bid to evade justice.
“Following months of painstaking intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated operational efforts, police operatives successfully monitored his movements, leading to his arrest on 30th June, 2026, at about 5:30 p.m.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, while the locally made Dane gun allegedly used in committing the murder was recovered. The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue ahead of prosecution,” DSP John said.
In another development, the operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, dismantled a suspected armed robbery syndicate known for snatching motorcycles from unsuspecting members of the public at gunpoint within Ibiono Ibom and Itu Local Government Areas.
The operation, the Command’s PPRO said was carried out on 29th June, 2026, led the operatives to the gang’s hideout at Nasarawa Market, Mbak Itam Village, where one suspect, Destiny Ekong, aged 22, of Afaha Ube Itam, Itu Local Government Area, was arrested.
During the operation, one unregistered Mate C90 motorcycle, suspected to have been stolen, was recovered.
Further intelligence exploitation and follow-up investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Anietie John, aged 50, of Mbiakpan Atan village. A search conducted at his residence resulted in the recovery of one single-barrel gun and eight rounds of live cartridges believed to be connected to criminal activities.
Both suspects are currently assisting the Police with ongoing investigations aimed at apprehending other fleeing members of the criminal network and recovering additional exhibits, DSP John added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare has commended the professionalism, resilience and operational efficiency displayed by the officers involved in both operations.
He reiterated that the Command remained resolute in its determination to deny criminals any safe haven within Akwa Ibom State.
He further warned individuals involved in criminal activities to either abandon their unlawful acts or be prepared to face the full weight of the law, stressing that the Command’s intelligence architecture has been significantly strengthened to detect, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks across the state.
The Commissioner also expressed appreciation to residents for their continued cooperation, timely information and confidence in the Police.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and actionable intelligence, assuring them that every piece of information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
