A’Ibom police review 2025 operations, outline 2026 security priorities

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reviewed its security operations for 2025 and outlined key priorities for 2026, assuring residents of sustained peace and safety in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, gave the assurance during an end-of-year press briefing with journalists.

He noted that the state remained generally peaceful, calm and stable throughout 2025, attributing the achievement to intelligence-led policing, proactive patrols, strategic deployments, community cooperation and effective inter-agency collaboration.

Azare revealed that the Command recorded significant operational successes, including the arrest of suspects involved in armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The commissioner said several firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles and other dangerous exhibits were recovered, while criminal hideouts and identified black spots were dismantled.

According to him, the Command also provided adequate security for political, social, religious and economic activities, alongside strict enforcement of laws and government directives aimed at maintaining public order.

On public safety, the police boss reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for jungle justice, unlawful gatherings and activities capable of disrupting peace.

Azare confirmed compliance with the state government’s Executive Order restricting masquerade activities to approved locations, with mandatory police permission and security coverage, noting that the measure significantly reduced violence and disorder.

The commissioner also raised concerns over the spread of misinformation, especially on social media, revealing that arrests were made over the fabrication and circulation of fake news capable of causing panic and tension. He warned that such offences would continue to attract stiff legal consequences.

He emphasised that community policing remained a core strategy of the Command, citing sustained engagement with traditional rulers, youth and women groups, religious leaders, market associations, transport unions, school administrators and other stakeholders across the state.

2025 operational highlights

Among the major achievements recorded by the Command in 2025 were the recovery of 179 assorted arms, 323 rounds of ammunition and 100 live cartridges. A total of 563 suspects were arrested and charged in court, while 14 stolen vehicles were recovered and released to their owners.

The command also rescued 74 victims of human trafficking and reunited them with their families, rescued 10 kidnapped victims, and secured 33 convictions during the year.

2026 security focus

Looking ahead, Azare outlined the Command’s 2026 priorities to include strengthening intelligence-led policing and crime prevention, a sustained crackdown on violent crimes, cultism, armed robbery and kidnapping, deepening community policing and public trust, combating cybercrime and fake news, and enhancing professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights.

Other focus areas include improved deployment strategies, increased use of modern policing tools and stronger collaboration with sister security agencies.

He assured residents that adequate security measures were in place for the festive season and beyond, with intensified patrols, stop-and-search operations and strategic deployments across all local government areas.

The commissioner, however, expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for his leadership and support, the Akwa Ibom State Government for its continued assistance, sister security agencies for their cooperation, and officers and men of the Command for their dedication. He also thanked residents for their trust and partnership.

Azare reaffirmed the command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property in 2026 and urged the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

The release was compiled by DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Police Command.