The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced the arrest of 563 suspects and the rescue of 74 victims of human trafficking across the state in 2025, as it reviewed the year’s security situation and unveiled its operational priorities for 2026.
Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, disclosed this during an end-of-year press briefing with journalists at the command’s headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo.
He said the state remained generally peaceful, calm, and stable throughout the year, attributing the outcome to intelligence-led policing, proactive patrols, strategic deployments, strong community cooperation, and effective inter-agency collaboration.
According to Azare, the command recorded notable successes in combating armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, violent crimes, and other criminal activities.
The operations led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles, and other dangerous exhibits, as well as the dismantling of several criminal hideouts and identified black spots across the state.
On public safety, the police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for jungle justice, unlawful gatherings, and activities capable of disrupting public peace.
He confirmed strict compliance with the state government’s Executive Order regulating masquerade activities, which limits performances to approved locations, requires police permission, and mandates security coverage, a measure he said significantly reduced violence and disorder.
Azare also raised concern over the growing spread of fake news, particularly on social media, noting that arrests had been made in connection with the fabrication and circulation of false information capable of causing panic and tension.
He warned that offenders would continue to face the full weight of the law.
Emphasising community policing as a core strategy, the police commissioner said sustained engagement with traditional rulers, youth and women groups, religious leaders, market associations, transport unions, school administrators, and other stakeholders would remain central to achieving lasting peace in the state.
Highlighting the command’s achievements in 2025, Azare listed the recovery of 179 assorted arms, 323 rounds of different ammunition, and 100 live cartridges.
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He also disclosed that 14 stolen vehicles were recovered and returned to their owners, 10 kidnap victims were rescued, and 33 offenders were convicted during the year.
Looking ahead to 2026, the police commissioner outlined key priorities, including strengthening intelligence-led policing and crime prevention strategies, intensifying the clampdown on violent crimes, cultism, armed robbery, and kidnapping, deepening community policing, combating cybercrime and fake news, and enhancing professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights.
He added that the command would improve deployment strategies, leverage modern policing tools, and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies.
Azare assured residents that robust security measures have been put in place for the festive season and beyond, with intensified patrols, stop-and-search operations, and strategic deployments across all 31 local government areas of the state.
