By: Theresa Donatus, Uyo.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing offensive against criminal activities across the state, recovering 69 firearms, arresting 178 suspects linked to various crimes and rescuing victims of kidnapping and human trafficking.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, describing the achievements as part of sustained intelligence-driven operations targeted at dismantling criminal networks operating within the state.

According to the police commissioner, the operations involved intelligence-led policing, coordinated raids, surveillance activities, stop-and-search operations and tactical interventions across identified crime-prone areas.

He said the crackdown resulted in significant successes against armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, burglary and other violent crimes.

“One of our major breakthroughs was the arrest of a suspected drug kingpin and four accomplices during an intelligence-led operation at Okobo Ebughu in Mbo Local Government Area,” Azare said.

The police boss identified the suspect as Francis Akpan, 40, a native of Nung Ukim Village in Ikono Local Government Area but resident in Okobo Ebughu.

He said operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed the suspect’s residence where they recovered 23 large bags containing dried weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.

Also recovered during the operation were a motorcycle and dismantled outboard boat engines suspected to be connected to other criminal activities.

Azare noted that the discovery pointed to the growing transnational dimension of illicit drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond Akwa Ibom State.

In another operation along the Aka Road and Ukana Offot axis, police operatives intercepted a suspicious male riding an electric scooter.

According to the commissioner, the suspect abandoned the scooter and fled through an uncompleted building after sighting police operatives.

A search conducted on items abandoned by the fleeing suspect led to the recovery of suspected charms, a mask, substances believed to be Indian hemp and a locally fabricated pistol.

Police authorities said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the suspect and identify members of the criminal network linked to him.

The command also arrested one Aniefiok Mbana of Ikot Ukam Village over alleged stealing and unlawful possession of firearms.

Recovered from the suspect were a motorcycle believed to have been stolen, one fabricated pistol, one dane gun, four expended cartridges, one live cartridge and suspected charms.

The police also recorded another breakthrough with the arrest of Uduak Daniel, 28, alleged to be a member of a robbery syndicate specialising in dispossessing commercial motorcycle operators of their motorcycles at gunpoint.

Items recovered from the suspect included a locally made pistol, axe, knife, suspected charms, substances believed to be Indian hemp, bottles containing illicit substances, mobile phones and rings.

The command said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate currently at large.

Similarly, police operatives acting on intelligence arrested one Asuquo Okon, 63, of Etebi Village in Esit Eket Local Government Area during a stop-and-search operation at James Town Junction.

The suspect was allegedly found transporting two large bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

The police commissioner disclosed that within the period under review, the command recovered 69 firearms comprising 34 locally fabricated pistols, three Beretta pistols, 10 single-barrel guns, four double-barrel guns, one G3 rifle, two toy guns, 12 dane guns, one pump-action gun, one AK-47 rifle and one locally made gun.

Police operatives also recovered 468 rounds of ammunition during various operations conducted across the state.

The command further arrested 27 suspected armed robbers, six kidnapping suspects, 14 murder suspects, 49 suspected cultists, 22 suspected vandals and 60 suspects linked to burglary and stealing.

The total number of arrests during the review period stood at 178 suspects.

The police command further disclosed that 11 victims of human trafficking and 16 kidnapped persons were rescued during operations conducted across the state.

Three suspected stolen vehicles were also recovered.

CP Azare commended officers and men of the command for what he described as professionalism, courage and dedication to duty.

He said officers who distinguished themselves during the operations would receive Commissioner of Police Commendation Certificates as recognition for exceptional performance.

The commissioner also appreciated the support of Governor Umo Eno and residents of Akwa Ibom State for their cooperation and timely provision of intelligence.

He warned criminal elements operating within the state to desist from unlawful activities, stressing that the police command would sustain aggressive operations against armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, illegal possession of firearms and drug trafficking.

“Your days are numbered. There will be no safe haven and no breathing space for criminals in Akwa Ibom State,” Azare warned.

The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening intelligence gathering, tactical policing and community policing strategies to sustain peace and protect lives and property across Akwa Ibom State.