Police On Steady Moves Against Criminals In Akwa Ibom

By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo

When the Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom State Command declared the state, a no go place for criminals, it meant every word as the reports of arrest keep making news regularly on both print and electronic media.

Of recent is the arrest of five suspected cultists and armed robbers believed to be responsible for a recent home invasion, armed robbery, and rape incident is parts of the state.

The suspects were apprehended following a discreet investigation launched after a formal complaint was lodged with the Command.

According to the Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the arrest of five suspects followed a distress call to the police by someone who was attacked on June 26, 2025.

DSP John gave an account of the police efforts that later yielded results with suspects having days with their contemporaries in police detention awaiting trial in court.

“On June 26, 2025, a man (name withheld) reported that a group of armed individuals broke into his room at a Guest House (name withheld ) in Abak, robbing him of his belongings and raping his female guest.

“Acting on a firm directive from the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, operatives of the Command initiated an investigation. On July 30, 2025, at approximately 11:10 PM, detectives raided the criminals’ hideout, leading to the arrest of the following individuals: Richard Edet Udo, Hope Unibong Anitie, Joseph Ibongidi, Christian Joseph Johnny and Joseph Joseph.

“During the raid, operatives recovered disturbing items from what appeared to be a shrine, including two coffins filled with women’s sanitary pads, pictures of people, and other fetish items.

“The Command is continuing its investigation to arrest other members of the gang.” The Command PPRO assured.

New Nigerian in Uyo, observed that the report came just a day after the command announced the successful neutralization of a suspected notorious kidnapper and the recovery of a firearm following an encounter with a criminal gang in Mkpat Enin local government area of the state.

According to the report, the police based on intelligence reports, had been closely monitoring a group of kidnappers who had returned to the Mkpat Enin local government area.

The gang, which had been terrorizing residents from 2020 to 2023, was also allegedly responsible for the kidnap of a church founder in 2023. The suspects had been at large since that incident.

“On August 2, 2025, at approximately 4:00 PM, the police received a report that the suspects were at a hideout in Ikot Umiang village, planning further kidnappings. A surveillance team was immediately dispatched to the location. Upon the team’s arrival, the criminals engaged them by firing shots. Fortunately, no police personnel was injured in the exchange.

“In a swift response, operatives neutralized one of the kidnappers, later identified as John Ubong Akpan, a 27-year-old male from Ikot Umiang village. The other gang members fled the scene. A locally made pistol, one live cartridge, and one expanded cartridge were recovered at the hideout.

“Akpan, who sustained bullet injuries, was taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead by medical Doctor.” The Police report signed by DSP Timfon John stated.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has directed intensified surveillance and patrols to apprehend the fleeing suspects.