…CP Azare Reaffirms Commitment to Sweep Criminal Elements Away from A’Ibom, Says State’s Safety is Non-Negotiable
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on criminal elements operating across the state, with the arrest of two separate robbery syndicates and the recovery of over seventy-two (72) mobile phones, three tricycles, and assorted household items.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing held at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, on Friday, October 17, 2025, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, FSI, announced that the latest arrests were part of the Command’s renewed offensive against criminal networks threatening the peace of the state.
According to the Police boss, on July 7, 2025, the Command received a petition from one Mr. Aniekan Dan, aged 41, who reported a violent tricycle robbery incident that occurred on July 3, 2025. The victim and his wife were attacked by a three-man gang posing as passengers in a commercial tricycle along the University of Uyo Permanent Site Roundabout.
The suspects, including the tricycle rider, allegedly produced a firearm mid-journey and dispossessed the couple of their valuables, including an iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 16, Samsung S22, cash totaling ₦28,200, and personal effects. The victims were thereafter pushed out of the moving tricycle but managed to record the vehicle’s MOT number (MOT–0BMR), which became a vital lead in tracking down the suspects.
Through an intelligence-led operation, police operatives apprehended the tricycle rider, identified as Editi, aged 34, whose confession led to the arrest of four other members of the syndicate, both within and outside Akwa Ibom State. Those arrested include: Musa Idris Sanni, 31 years, Utibe Asuquo Nkop, 34 years, Dadati John, 46 years and Abdulrashid Sanni, 28 years.
The police recovered three (3) tricycles and seventy-two (72) assorted mobile phones suspected to have been stolen from various victims.
“I wish to commend the swift response and professionalism exhibited by our operatives in effecting these arrests. Under my leadership, we will not relent in ensuring that Akwa Ibom people sleep with both eyes closed,” CP Azare stated.
He called on victims of phone theft to visit the Uyo Area Command with proof of ownership to reclaim their recovered items, assuring that the suspects would be prosecuted upon completion of investigations.
Second Arrest: Five-Man Cartel Intercepted with Household Items.
In a related operation, the Commissioner revealed that on Monday, October 13, 2025, police operatives intercepted another tricycle along Nasarawa Road, Uyo, loaded with a large quantity of new household items, raising immediate suspicion.
Upon interrogation, the five occupants failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the source of the goods. They were promptly arrested and identified as: Muhammed Saifuana, 32 years Musa Abdulahi, 27 years, Samaila Sauwanu, 21 years, Mubansir Abubakar, 20 years, Adamu Umar, 25 years.
Recovered items include five (5) industrial standing fans, two (2) microwave ovens, one (1) bicycle, fifty (50) stabilizers, three (3) electric kettles, two (2) Startime decoders, four (4) pressing irons, one (1) DVD player, and several other assorted goods.
CP Azare disclosed that a discreet investigation has been launched to determine the source and ownership of the recovered items, as well as identify other possible accomplices.
“Let me be clear: the Akwa Ibom State Police Command under my watch will not tolerate any form of criminality. We are closing in on criminals from all fronts, whether they operate on tricycles, in homes, or on highways,” the Police Commissioner declared firmly.
He attributed the success of the operations to the synergy between the police and vigilant citizens, stressing that the cooperation of members of the public has continued to aid proactive policing efforts.
“These cases according to him, highlight the importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities. Together, we will continue to make Akwa Ibom unsafe for criminals,” he added.
The Commissioner reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to make Akwa Ibom one of the safest states in Nigeria, assuring residents that the Command’s Operation Total Sweep remains in full force.
“Our operation to sweep criminal elements out of Akwa Ibom is total and non-negotiable. We are here to serve, to protect, and to ensure that peace and safety prevail across the state,” CP Azare said.
Meanwhile, investigations into both cases are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court as soon as due process is completed.
