Police foil robbery attempt, arrest suspect in Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has foiled a suspected armed robbery attempt and arrested one suspect during a swift operation along Abak Road in Uyo.

The incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on February 9, 2026, when operatives on pin-down duty at a strategic checkpoint along the busy road observed three young men behaving suspiciously on a motorcycle near a supermarket. Acting on reasonable suspicion and in line with proactive crime prevention measures, the officers moved to apprehend the individuals.

On sighting the police, the suspects abandoned their belongings and fled the scene. A manhunt was immediately launched, leading to the arrest of one of the suspects, identified as 24-year-old Abasifreke Udo.

The police recovered a live cartridge, a red Kymstom motorcycle (Reg. No. UNC-370-QG), an Infinix mobile phone, scissors, razors, a torchlight, and nylon materials suspected to be used for packaging crystal methamphetamine.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were allegedly preparing to carry out a criminal operation before the police intervention thwarted their plans.

The command said investigations are ongoing to arrest the fleeing accomplices and recover any additional incriminating items. The suspect in police custody will be charged upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives for their alertness and professionalism, reaffirming the command’s commitment to sustained visibility policing, intelligence-led patrols, and proactive crime prevention across the state.

He warned criminal elements to desist, stressing that the command remains vigilant and determined to deny them any operational space.

Members of the public have also been urged to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious movements to the police.