The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has made a significant arrest in its fight against violent crime, apprehending a suspected armed robber in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the arrest was made on September 14, 2026, following a distress alert received by police operatives in the early hours of the day. The alert was a result of a reported violent attack in Ikot Ekweng village.
The suspect, identified as Ini Mfon, allegedly attacked an Inspector Henry with a machete while attempting to dispossess him of his tricycle, leaving him with an injury to his right hand. The police operatives on vehicular patrol received an emergency alert from the Command Control Room directing them to the village. They subsequently traced the suspect 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 the suspect's possession.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the details of the arrest in a statement issued on Monday and made available to journalists in Uyo. The statement highlighted the command's sustained efforts to combat violent crime and the proliferation of illegal firearms across the state. The recovered weapons have been secured as exhibits, and the suspect is assisting with the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has commended the operatives for their prompt response and professionalism, saying the arrest demonstrated the command's resolve to tackle violent crime. Azare emphasized that the command would sustain intelligence-led policing, targeted raids, and aggressive patrols to recover illegal firearms and dismantle criminal networks across the state.
The police command is investigating the source of the recovered weapons and determining whether they had been used in previous criminal operations. The suspect's possible links to other criminal syndicates within or outside the local government area are also being explored. The command is urging residents to report suspicious activities and the movement of illegal firearms to the police.
CP Baba Mohammed Azare has assured that Akwa Ibom would not be a safe haven for persons involved in armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms. He encouraged residents to provide credible information to the police, which would be treated with utmost confidentiality. The command's efforts aim to ensure the state remains a secure environment for its citizens.
The arrest and recovery of the illegal firearms are part of the police command's ongoing efforts to intensify intelligence-led policing and security operations. The public is urged to cooperate with the police by providing information that can help in the fight against crime. The police command remains committed to its mission of maintaining peace and order in Akwa Ibom state.
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.
