…As CP Azare Announces Readiness to Deploy Over 500 Police Officers to Anambra Governorship Election
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded significant successes in its ongoing operations against crime across the state, leading to the dismantling of militant, robbery, and cult syndicates as well as the recovery of arms, ammunition, and stolen property.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed this during a press briefing held on Tuesday, November 4, at the Command Headquarters, Uyo.
He highlighted major achievements recorded in recent weeks through intelligence-driven operations and community collaboration.
According to CP Azare, operatives of the Command, in collaboration with Marine Hunters, on November 3, arrested one Samuel Geofrey, a 27-year-old militant and sea pirate, in Mbo Local Government Area and recovered several imtes including marine engines, generators, household items, and personal effects belonging to victims.
He noted that the Command is also pursuing the Village Head of Ine Eyoabasi Fishing Village, identified as Kingdom Bane, who fled upon sighting the police.
CP explained that the police officers raided an illegal gun manufacturing facility in Ekiti Itam, Itu Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of two suspects Aniekan Aniedi, 39, and Ubong Udofia, 35 and the recovery of fabricated firearms, metal pipes, welding equipment, and other tools used in gun production.
The Commissioner further revealed that the Command arrested several suspects for handling stolen property, including one Umar Bello from Sokoto State, who was found with 31 suspected stolen mobile phones intended to be sent to Kano. Other arrests led to the recovery of tricycles, motorcycles, and vehicle spare parts stolen within Uyo metropolis.
On cultism and illegal masquerade processions, the police arrested one Solomon Edem of Midim Waterside, Abak LGA, who disguised as a masquerade to rob victims. Also apprehended were cult leaders Uwem Umanah and David Michael for unlawful assembly and extortion.
CP Azare said operatives also smashed a robbery syndicate responsible for motorcycle snatching across Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, recovering nine motorcycles and arresting four suspects. In a separate case, 52 rounds of live ammunition and three live cartridges were recovered in Abak following a tip-off from a patriotic citizen.
The Commissioner added that the Command arrested multiple burglary and cult suspects in Uyo, recovering stolen batteries, tools, and weapons used for break-ins. Several armed robbery suspects, including ex-convicts, were also apprehended with locally made pistols and cartridges.
CP Azare commended officers of the Command for their dedication and professionalism, while thanking residents for their cooperation and intelligence sharing, which have aided police operations. He urged members of the public whose phones or property had been stolen to visit the Command with proof of ownership for possible recovery.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against crime and maintaining public safety, warning that there would be no hiding place for criminals in Akwa Ibom State.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has announced the Command’s readiness to deploy over 500 police officers to Anambra State for the forthcoming governorship election to ensure peace, orderliness, and the conduct of a free and fair exercise.
Addressing the officers during a parade, CP Azare charged them to uphold the principles of truth, transparency, and professionalism in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the Police Act.
