Police raid A’Ibom community hideout, recover guns

Etim Ekpimah

A suspected criminal hideout in Obot Akara Local Government Area has been raided by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, leading to the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of firearms and ammunition.
The operation, carried out on 11 May 2026 at about 9:30am, followed credible intelligence that Aniefiok Otong Mbana of Ikot Ukam Village, Obot Akara, was in possession of a motorcycle suspected to have been stolen.
Police operatives swiftly moved in and tactically arrested the suspect while he was in possession of the motorcycle.
During interrogation, Mbana reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding ownership of the motorcycle and instead linked it to an alleged accomplice identified only as “Mr White”, who is currently on the run.
A search of the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, a Dane gun, four empty cartridges and one live cartridge, deepening suspicions of his involvement in criminal activities.
The command explained it has launched an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspect and other alleged members of the criminal network.
Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare issued a strong warning to criminals, cultists, armed robbers, gun runners and handlers of stolen property to either abandon their activities or face a total crackdown.
He declared that Akwa Ibom would no longer serve as a safe haven for criminal elements, noting that the command had intensified intelligence-led policing, surveillance operations, raids, stop-and-search duties and tactical deployments across the state.
Azare also warned that anyone found aiding, harbouring or collaborating with criminals would be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted.
He reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.