A’Ibom police arrest suspect, recover pistols, machetes

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old suspected armed robber and recovered two locally made pistols, a cartridge, two machetes and substances suspected to be charms during an intelligence-led operation in Ifa Atai community.
The operation was carried out around 7 pm on October 19, 2026, by operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), following intelligence about suspected armed robbers allegedly terrorising residents of Ifa Atai and neighbouring communities.
The suspects were reportedly sighted brandishing weapons and were suspected of planning to attack an unsuspecting member of the public, prompting the operatives to move to a hotel in the community where they were allegedly hiding.
The operation led to the arrest of Ifiok Owoidem, 26, from Okon Ikot Essien Village in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. However, another suspect reportedly escaped and is being sought by the police.
A search of the arrested suspect’s room led to the recovery of two locally made pistols, one cartridge, two machetes and bottles containing substances suspected to be charms.
The command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and identify other members of the alleged criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling armed robbery and other violent crimes through intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, strategic deployment of personnel and collaboration with the public.
The command urged residents of Ifa Atai and other parts of the state to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, illegal possession of firearms and other activities that could threaten public safety.
It urged members of the public to provide useful information through the nearest police station or established police reporting channels.
The command assured residents that the fight against armed robbery and other violent crimes remained a priority, urging them to continue their lawful activities and cooperate with security agencies to sustain peace and security across the state.
DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, issued the statement on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, on Tuesday.