The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has recorded major breakthroughs in crime-fighting between August 1 and September 3, 2025, with the arrest of 63 suspects for various offences, recovery of 19 firearms, and the rescue of 22 human trafficking victims.
Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed this during a media briefing in Uyo on Wednesday, describing the achievements as a product of professionalism, diligence, and strong cooperation between officers and residents.
One of the most notable successes was the neutralisation of a notorious kidnapper, John Ubong Akpan, in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. The Command also rescued 20 Ghanaian nationals and two Nigerian victims trafficked into Uyo. Their alleged ringleader, 47-year-old Alex Omosivie, was arrested.
In a separate operation, police foiled a kidnap attempt in Eket, rescuing the victim alive and recovering an AK-47 rifle, an assault rifle, a pump-action shotgun, and other weapons.
The Command also dismantled multiple armed robbery and car theft syndicates. Four stolen vehicles were recovered, while suspects confessed to stealing nine others during different operations.
Cult-related cases featured prominently during the period under review. Eighteen suspected cultists were arrested across Eket, Abak, Ikono, Obot Akara, and Mkpat Enin LGAs. Among them were seven members of a Ku Klux Klans confraternity cell, arrested for allegedly assaulting a student in Ikot Osurua and stealing ₦41,000 and his phone.
In Uruan, police arrested a suspected ritualist and recovered a locally fabricated firearm. Officers also discovered fetish items, including coffins, photographs, and sanitary pads, at shrines linked to cult suspects.
The Command also apprehended a fake medical doctor, identified as Gabriel Gideon, who allegedly posed as an ophthalmologist in Itu LGA. He was accused of administering unapproved concoctions to hundreds of unsuspecting residents at ₦500 per person.
Two suspects were arrested in Ika LGA while attempting to vandalise an electricity transformer. The joint police–military operation led to the recovery of gas cylinders, towing chains, and iron cutters.
On August 8, operatives raided a robbery syndicate’s hideout in Obot Akara, arresting seven suspects and seizing firearms, motorcycles, charms, and military camouflage. Another armed robber, Imoh Gavin Akpan, was killed during a gun battle in Ikot Ekpene.
In total, the police arrested 12 armed robbery suspects, six suspected kidnappers, 18 cultists, five vandals, and others linked to murder, burglary, and illicit drug activities.
The month-long operations yielded a total of 19 firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, an English Beretta pistol, a pump-action shotgun, and 14 locally made pistols, along with 104 rounds of ammunition.
Commissioner Azare commended Akwa Ibom residents for supporting law enforcement efforts with timely intelligence, urging them to remain vigilant and proactive.
“These operational successes are not only a testament to the diligence and professionalism of our officers, but also to the collaboration of the good people of Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
