Police recover 69 firearms, arrest 178 suspects

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recovered 69 firearms, arrested 178 suspected criminals, rescued kidnapped and trafficked victims, and dismantled several criminal networks in a major statewide crackdown on crime.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed this on Monday, 25 May 2026, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Uyo, where he reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling all forms of criminality across the state.

According to the CP, the operations were carried out through intelligence-led policing, coordinated raids, strategic surveillance, stop-and-search operations, and tactical interventions across identified black spots.

He said the command recorded significant successes against armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, burglary, illegal possession of firearms, and other violent crimes.

Among the breakthroughs was the arrest of a suspected drug kingpin and four accomplices during an intelligence-led operation at Okobo Ebughu in Mbo Local Government Area.

Azare said operatives stormed the residence of Francis Akpan, 40, a native of Nung Ukim Village in Ikono Local Government Area, but resident in Okobo Ebughu, where they recovered 23 large bags containing dried weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.

Police also recovered a motorcycle and dismantled outboard boat engines suspected to be linked to other criminal activities.

The CP said the discovery exposed the transnational dimension of illicit drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond Akwa Ibom State.

In another operation along the Aka Road/Ukana Offot area, operatives intercepted a suspicious man riding an electric scooter. On sighting the police, the suspect abandoned the scooter and fled through an unfinished building.

A search of the abandoned bag led to the recovery of suspected charms, a mask, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and a locally fabricated pistol. Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and dismantle the criminal network linked to him.

Similarly, operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested Aniefiok Mbana of Ikot Ukam Village over alleged stealing and unlawful possession of firearms.

Recovered from the suspect were a suspected stolen motorcycle, one fabricated pistol, one Dane gun, four expended cartridges, one live cartridge, and assorted suspected charms.

The command also arrested Uduak Daniel, 28, suspected to be a member of a robbery syndicate specialising in dispossessing commercial motorcyclists of their motorcycles at gunpoint.

Recovered from the suspect were a locally made pistol, an axe, a knife, suspected charms, wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, bottles of illicit substances, mobile phones, rings, and other incriminating items. Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members.

Furthermore, during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation at James Town Junction, operatives arrested Asuquo Okon, 63, of Etebi Village in Esit Eket Local Government Area while transporting two large bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

The police said investigations had commenced to identify and arrest all persons connected to the illicit trade.

The Commissioner of Police disclosed that the command recovered 69 firearms, including 34 locally made pistols, three Beretta pistols, 10 single-barrel guns, four double-barrel guns, one G3 rifle, two toy guns, 12 Dane guns, one pump-action gun, one AK-47 rifle, and one locally made gun.

Additionally, 468 rounds of ammunition were recovered during various operations across the state.

The command also arrested 27 suspected armed robbers, six suspected kidnappers, 14 murder suspects, 49 suspected cultists, 22 suspected vandals, and 60 burglary and stealing suspects.

Police also rescued 11 victims of human trafficking, 16 kidnapped victims, and recovered three suspected stolen vehicles.

Azare commended officers and men of the command for their professionalism, courage, discipline, and dedication to duty, saying the achievements reflected the command’s resilience and commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.

He also appreciated the Akwa Ibom State Government, led by Governor Umo Eno, for supporting the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the fight against crime.

The CP announced that commendation certificates would be awarded to officers who distinguished themselves during the operations, noting that the recognition was aimed at boosting morale and rewarding professionalism.

He thanked residents for their cooperation and timely supply of credible information to security agencies, stressing that security remained a collective responsibility.

Azare warned criminals operating anywhere in the state that there would be no hiding place for perpetrators of armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and other violent crimes.

“Your days are numbered. There will be no haven and no breathing space for criminals in Akwa Ibom State,” the CP warned.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order across communities in the state.