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 the police, the arrest was made on September 14, 2026, following a distress alert received in the early hours of the day. The police responded swiftly to the alert, tracing the suspect to his residence, where he was apprehended.
The suspect, identified as Ini Mfon, allegedly attacked an Inspector Henry with a machete while attempting to dispossess him of his tricycle, leaving the officer with an injury to his right hand. The police spokesperson, Timfon John, disclosed that the suspect was found in possession of two locally made pistols and two machetes, which were recovered as exhibits. The police are currently investigating the suspect and working to determine the source of the weapons.
The recovered weapons are believed to have been used in previous operations, and the police are investigating if the suspect is linked to other criminal syndicates within or outside the local government. The suspect is currently in police custody, assisting investigators. The police have commended the operatives for their prompt response and professionalism, saying the arrest demonstrates the command's resolve to tackle violent crime.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, has warned that the command will sustain intelligence-led policing, targeted raids, and aggressive patrols to recover illegal firearms and dismantle criminal networks. He emphasized that Akwa Ibom will not be a safe haven for persons involved in armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms. Residents are urged to report suspicious activities and the movement of illegal firearms.
The police command has recorded a major operational breakthrough in its sustained onslaught against violent crime and the proliferation of illegal firearms across the state. The arrest and recovery of the locally made pistols and machetes are a significant achievement for the police. The command is committed to intensifying its efforts to tackle crime and ensure public safety.
The police are working to determine the source of the weapons and if they had been used in previous operations. The suspect's arrest has also raised concerns about the proliferation of illegal firearms in the state. The police are urging residents to provide credible information that can help them tackle the issue of illegal firearms and violent crime.
The Commissioner of Police has assured residents that any credible information supplied to the police will be treated with utmost confidentiality. He emphasized that the police are committed to working with the community to tackle crime and ensure public safety. The arrest of the suspected armed robber is a significant achievement for the police, and the command is expected to continue its efforts to tackle violent crime.
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 suspect, Ini Mfon, allegedly attacked an Inspector Henry with a machete while attempting to dispossess him of his tricycle.
- The police command has committed to sustaining intelligence-led policing, targeted raids, and aggressive patrols to recover illegal firearms and dismantle criminal networks.
