Police In Akwa Ibom Arrest Suspected Criminal, Recover Firearms, Illicit Drugs

Tuesday April 28, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

By Idorenyin UMOREN 

Private Investigator and Security Evaluator 

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its sustained crackdown on criminal elements across the State, with coordinated intelligence-led operations leading to the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of incriminating exhibits in Uyo and Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Areas.

This was disclosed by the Command’s PPRO, DSP Timfon John, in a Press Release dated Monday, April 27, 2026. According to DSP John, “the strength of credible intelligence, operatives of the Command successfully apprehended one Ofonime Tom (M), a suspected member of a notorious gang terrorizing residents of Michael Abraham Street, Nkemba Street, Ikot Ebido Oku, and surrounding areas in Uyo.

“Following strategic surveillance, the suspect was arrested on 25th April 2026 at about 2030hrs at Michael Abraham Street.

“A search conducted on him led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, further confirming his involvement in criminal activities.”

In a related development, on 26th April 2026 at about 0830hrs, operatives of the Command, acting on actionable intelligence and in strict compliance with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, on sustained raids of criminal hideouts, stormed a notorious black spot at Ikot Mbou, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA.

“The operation led to the arrest of one Sunday Benedict Asuquo ‘m’ , One Abdulkarim Umaru “m” , One Yahaya Muhammad “m” , One Sherif Baworo “m”. A thorough search conducted at the location resulted in the recovery of the following exhibits:

* Quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp
* Cash sum of Twenty-Eight Thousand Naira (₦28,000)
* Multiple mobile phones
* One lighter
* Two kitchen knives
* Two pairs of scissors
* One black bag

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the premises served as a hub for illicit drug distribution and other criminal activities within the area.

“All suspects are currently in Police custody undergoing screening and interrogation, while discreet investigations have commenced to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal networks and recover additional weapons and exhibits linked to their operations.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for criminality, emphasizing that the ongoing operations are part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal syndicates and restore public confidence. He warned all individuals involved in unlawful activities to desist immediately or face the full weight of the law.

“The Command assures residents of sustained, intelligence-driven operations across all Local Government Areas and urges members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information. All information provided will be treated with utmost confidentiality. Akwa Ibom State remains a no-go area for criminals”, she warned.