The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against violent crime and illegal firearms, arresting a suspected armed robber in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. According to a statement by the police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, the arrest was made possible through a distress call to the command. The suspect, identified as Ini Mfon, allegedly attacked an Inspector Henry with a machete while attempting to steal his tricycle.
The incident occurred on September 14, 2026, at about 5 am, when operatives on vehicular patrol received an emergency alert from the Command Control Room directing them to Ikot Ekweng Village in Ibiono Ibom. The patrol team met Inspector Henry, who had sustained an injury to his right hand. The police spokesperson said the suspect was traced to his residence, where he was arrested. A search of the premises led to the recovery of two locally made pistols and two machetes allegedly found in his possession.
The police command said the arrest demonstrates its resolve to tackle violent crime and recover illegal firearms. The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives for their prompt response and professionalism. He warned that the command would sustain intelligence-led policing, targeted raids, and aggressive patrols to recover illegal firearms and dismantle criminal networks.
Azare added that Akwa Ibom would not be a safe haven for persons involved in armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms. He urged residents to report suspicious activities and the movement of illegal firearms. The Commissioner assured that any credible information supplied to the police would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
The police are currently investigating the suspect, who is in custody, to determine the source of the recovered weapons and whether they had been used in previous operations. Detectives are also working to establish if the suspect is linked to other criminal syndicates within or outside the local government.
The recovered weapons have been secured as exhibits, and the police are working to dismantle the criminal networks involved in the proliferation of illegal firearms. The command's efforts are aimed at ensuring the safety and security of residents in Akwa Ibom.
The arrest and recovery of the firearms have been hailed as a significant achievement for the Akwa Ibom State Police Command. The command's resolve to tackle violent crime and recover illegal firearms has been commended by residents and stakeholders. Key initiatives by the police command include sustained intelligence-led policing and community engagement.
Key points
- The Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered two locally made pistols and two machetes in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
- The arrest was made possible through a distress call to the command, and the suspect was traced to his residence.
- The police command has vowed to sustain its efforts to tackle violent crime and recover illegal firearms.
