Friday September 11, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.nh
The Akwa Ibom Police Command has announced a major operational breakthrough in its sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks terrorising communities across Ikono, Ini, Obot Akara and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas, with the arrest of six suspected members of a notorious criminal gang and the recovery of firearms, live and expended cartridges, as well as motorcycles suspected to have been stolen.
The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Timfon John, told journalists on Friday in Uyo that the breakthrough followed credible intelligence received by the Command on 5 September 2026, indicating that a notorious gang allegedly operating from Ikono Local Government Area was sighted moving towards Ini Local Government Area, reportedly on their way to execute a criminal operation.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives mobilised and commenced a coordinated pursuit of the suspects. The operation extended through Ini Local Government Area towards the Akwa Ibom–Abia State boundary,” she added.
She averred that following a determined pursuit, operatives successfully intercepted and apprehended three members of the gang, including the alleged ringleader, at a border community between Akwa Ibom and Abia States. One other suspect reportedly escaped during the operation.
She highlighted that the arrested suspects were subsequently taken to the station for detailed investigation and intelligence-led interrogation.
” Information obtained during the investigation further led to the identification and arrest of additional members of the criminal network, bringing the number of suspects arrested so far to six.
Those arrested are: Gideon Udoh, male, 23 years, aka Holy Water Blood, of Mbiabong Ukana Ikot Etefia Village, Ikono LGA; Martins Udo, male, 36 years, of Mbiabong Ikot Etefia Village, Ikono LGA; Bassey Ukpong, male, 22 years, aka Ekpor, of Mbiabong Ukana Ikot Etefia Village, Ikono LGA; Aniebiet Dominic, male, 25 years, aka Two Second, of Itak Ikot Akpan Ndem Village, Ikono LGA;
Others include, “David Idaha, male, 32 years, aka Black, of Nung Ukim Village, Ikono LGA; and Joseph Udo, male, 25 years, identified as the gang’s alleged technical operative.
She said preliminary investigation and intelligence obtained from the suspects have linked the gang to a range of serious criminal activities allegedly perpetrated across parts of Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring areas.
“These include armed robbery, kidnapping, hostage-taking, abduction, car snatching, rape, cult-related activities, illicit drug dealing, extortion, demanding by menace, malicious damage and attempted murder, among other offences.
“Items recovered so far in connection with the investigation include: Two locally fabricated shotguns; Two live cartridges; Three expended cartridges; and Six serviceable motorcycles suspected to have been stolen.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has commended the officers involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism.
