Police raid suspect’s home, recover two pistols

Etim Ekpimah

Police operatives in Akwa Ibom State have arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered two locally made pistols and two machetes during a follow-up operation in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.

The arrest followed a distress alert received by the Command’s Control Room around 5 am on 14 September 2026, reporting a violent attack at Ikot Ekweng Village in the area.

The patrol team immediately responded to the alert and met Inspector Henry, who alleged that he had been attacked by a man identified as Ini Mfon.

According to preliminary information, Mfon allegedly attacked the officer with a machete while attempting to dispossess him of his tricycle. The officer sustained an injury to his right hand during the attack.

The operatives subsequently launched a follow-up operation and traced the suspect to his residence, where he was arrested.

A search of the premises led to the recovery of two locally made pistols and two machetes, which were taken into police custody as exhibits.

DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, said the recovery of the firearms and other dangerous weapons had widened the scope of the investigation.

He said detectives were working to establish the source of the weapons, determine whether they had been used in previous criminal operations and ascertain whether the suspect was linked to other criminal elements or syndicates operating within or outside Ibiono Ibom.

The suspect remains in police custody and is assisting with the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives for their prompt response, courage and professionalism.

Azare said the arrest and recovery underscored the command’s determination to confront violent crime and illegal firearms through intelligence-led policing and targeted operations.

He said the command would sustain aggressive patrols, targeted raids and other lawful operations aimed at recovering illegal weapons and dismantling criminal networks across the state.

The CP warned persons involved in armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and other violent crimes that the state would not provide a haven for criminal elements.

He also urged residents to promptly report suspicious persons, criminal hideouts and the possession, movement or circulation of illegal firearms in their communities.

The command assured the public that credible information supplied to the police would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Investigation is ongoing, and the suspect will be charged to court upon its conclusion.