By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Demonstrating operational alertness and a swift response to intelligence, operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have combed a hotel alleged to be a harbouring criminals in the state.
The identified hotel located at Ifa Atai, in Uyo, the state capital is where criminal suspects were allegedly hiding and consuming substances suspected to be hard drugs.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John said the operation resulted in the arrest of one Ifiok Owoidem, male, 26, an indigene of Okon Ikot Essien Village in Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state, while police have also intensified search to arrest other fleeing suspects
“On 19th October 2026, at about 1900 hours, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Akwa Ibom State Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, received information concerning suspected armed robbers allegedly responsible for robbing and terrorising residents of Ifa Atai and its surrounding communities.
“The suspects were reportedly sighted brandishing weapons in what was suspected to be an attempt to attack an unsuspecting member of the public,” DSP John explained.
A search conducted in the arrested suspect’s room led to the recovery of two locally made pistols; one expanded cartridge; two machetes and 4 bottles containing substances suspected to be charms or juju.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has reiterated the Command’s firm resolve to confront criminality decisively through intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, strategic deployment of operatives, and sustained collaboration with members of the public.
The Command calls on residents of Ifa Atai, and other parts of Akwa Ibom State to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements, illegal possession of firearms, and other activities capable of endangering public safety.
Members of the public are encouraged to provide useful information through the nearest police station or established police reporting channels, the CP said.
The Command reassured the public that the fight against armed robbery and other violent crimes remains a priority. It urges residents to continue their lawful activities without fear while maintaining cooperation with the Police in the collective effort to sustain peace and security throughout the state.
