The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its ongoing drive to safeguard lives and property across the state, with the arrest of suspects, recovery of ammunition and firearms, and interception of stolen vehicles.
In one of the operations, police operatives intercepted a commercial bus travelling to Calabar and recovered a cache of 415 live cartridges.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on January 30, noting that the recovery was made during a routine stop-and-search exercise.
According to the statement, officers on patrol along the Calabar–Itu Highway on January 23, 2026, at about 11:00 p.m., stopped a commercial bus with registration number ARR 600 ZY en route to Calabar. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a carton containing 415 live cartridges. The driver, identified as Ikenna, claimed the ammunition was a waybill consignment meant for an unidentified recipient in Calabar.
DSP John further stated that during the operation, a passenger identified as “Excel” allegedly obstructed police officers in the lawful performance of their duties through provocative conduct. Another commuter, Bright, who claimed to be an official of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) but failed to present a valid identity card, was also accused of assaulting the officers. Both individuals were arrested.
Further investigations led to the arrest of one Nduibisi Raphael, a 36-year-old indigene of Nyaje Village in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, who was apprehended in Calabar and taken into custody.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation to determine the source and intended use of the ammunition, with a view to prosecuting all those found culpable.
In a separate operation, the Command also recorded success with the arrest of an armed robbery and car-snatching suspect, alongside the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Uyo.
DSP John said that on January 20, 2026, at about 11:30 p.m., operatives on routine night patrol near the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium responded to a distress call from a Bolt driver who reported that his Toyota Corolla had been snatched at gunpoint.
Although the suspects initially escaped with the vehicle, intelligence-driven efforts later traced it to Nkwot Ikono Village in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area. One Sunday Okon, from Nna Enin Village in Uruan Local Government Area, was arrested in possession of the stolen Toyota Corolla with registration number DKA 337 CB. The suspect reportedly confessed during preliminary interrogation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang and recover their weapons.
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Meanwhile, the Police Command also recovered firearms during a raid on suspected cultists in Uyo. DSP John revealed that on January 27, 2026, at about 3:30 p.m., operatives acted on credible intelligence that members of the Vikings Confraternity were holding a meeting at Ikot Okubo, off Abak Road. The suspects reportedly fled upon sighting the police, abandoning weapons at the scene.
Items recovered included a locally made double-barrel gun loaded with two cartridges, two locally made pistols with cartridges, and a cutlass. The Command has since intensified patrols, raids, and covert surveillance in the area, while efforts continue to arrest the suspected group leader, identified as Solo, and other fleeing members.
Commending the professionalism and swift response of officers, CP Azare reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating crime and maintaining public safety. He urged the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to the police.
