The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three men in connection with a masquerade-related disturbance along Mbak Akpan Ekpenyong, saying the suspects were apprehended to prevent the situation from escalating and disrupting public peace.

The incident occurred on August 31, 2026, at about 5:52pm, when the Command received a distress call concerning the masquerade-related activity. Police operatives were immediately deployed to the area to restore normalcy and forestall a possible escalation.

The three suspects arrested are Uwakmfon Sunday, Edidiong Jackson and Sunday Tom. Other participants reportedly fled from the scene when they sighted the police.

The Command also recovered masquerade regalia found in the possession of the suspects and secured them as exhibits as investigations into the incident continue.

Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the officers for their prompt response and warned individuals against using cultural or traditional activities as a cover for disorder, intimidation, violence or other unlawful conduct.

Azare, however, said the Police respected lawful cultural and traditional practices, assuring residents that the Command would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that such activities are conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.

The Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, threats to public safety and breaches of the peace to the nearest police formation or through established emergency communication channels.