By Uko Etim
UYO — The Akwa Ibom Police Command says it has arrested 178 suspects and recovered 69 firearms during a statewide crackdown on criminal networks, describing the operation as one of its most significant breakthroughs this year.
The Commissioner of Police Baba Azare, who disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters on Monday at Ikot Akpan Abia in Uyo, said the results came from “intelligence-led policing, coordinated raids, strategic surveillance, stop-and-search exercises, and tactical interventions” across identified hotspots in the state.
According to the CP, the arrests covered a range of offences, including 27 suspected armed robbers, 6 suspected kidnappers, 14 murder suspects, 49 suspected cultists, 22 suspected vandals, and 60 burglary and stealing suspects.
Azare noted that the Command also rescued 11 victims of human trafficking and 16 kidnapped victims, and recovered 3 suspected stolen vehicles.
According to him, the seized weapons included 34 locally made pistols, 3 Beretta pistols, 10 single-barreled guns, 4 double-barreled guns, 1 G3 rifle, 12 dane guns, 1 pump action gun, 1 AK-47 rifle, 2 toy guns, and 1 locally made gun, adding that officers also recovered 468 rounds of ammunition.
Azare noted that one major operation led to the arrest of a suspected drug kingpin, Francis Akpan, 40, and four accomplices at Okobo Ebughu in Mbo LGA.
He said 23 large bags of dried weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, a motorcycle, and dismantled outboard boat engines were recovered from Akpan’s residence.
The CP stated that other operations included the arrest of a suspected robbery syndicate member, Uduak Daniel, 28, found with a locally made pistol, axe, knife, suspected charms, and narcotics and the interception of Asuquo Okon, 63, at James Town Junction with two large bags of suspected Indian hemp.
Azare commended officers for their “professionalism, courage, discipline, and dedication,” and announced that commendation certificates would be awarded to those who distinguished themselves.
He also thanked Governor Umo Eno and residents for supporting the police with credible intelligence.
The CP reaffirmed that the Command would intensify intelligence gathering, patrols, and community policing to sustain peace and security across Akwa Ibom.
“Your days are numbered. There will be no safe haven and no breathing space for criminals in Akwa Ibom State,” Azare warned.
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